Indians pick up Kluber's option, decline Kipnis'

The Cleveland Indians will pick up right-hander Corey Kluber's $17.5 million contract option for the 2020 season but chose to decline the option of second baseman Jason Kipnis. Team president Chris Antonetti also said Wednesday in a season-ending meeting with the media that the Indians will decline the option of right-handed reliever Dan Otero.

Kluber missed much of the 2019 season with a broken arm suffered May 1 when he was hit by a line drive in Miami. The 33-year-old, who has won two Cy Young Awards, started just seven games and was 2-3 with a 5.80 ERA in 35 2/3 innings. The Indians could have bought out Kluber's option for $1 million but instead will pay him $17.5 million. The Indians have an $18 million option for 2021, also with a $1 million buyout.

Kipnis, 32, will receive a $2.5 million buyout. The team held a $16.5 million option. A two-time All-Star, Kipnis played eight-plus seasons in Cleveland, batting .261 with 123 home runs and 529 RBIs. In 2019, his average dipped to .245, and he hit 17 home runs to go with 65 RBIs.

Otero, 34, spent four seasons with the Indians. In 2019, he appeared in 25 games with an ERA of 4.85, but he didn't figure in any decisions. The Indians held a $1.5 million option but instead will pay a $100,000 buyout. Cleveland finished 93-69, eight games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central and three games out of the final AL wild-card spot. They made the postseason the past three years.

 

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