Report: Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians far apart on extension talks
Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians are “not close” to agreeing on a contract extension.
The Cleveland Indians and starting pitcher Corey Kluber appear to be riding different wavelengths. At least that is what it looks like regarding talks of a would-be contract extension. CBS Sports’s Jon Heyman is reporting that the two parties are “not close” in negotiations to secure the right-hander past 2019, when he is set to become a free agent.
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The ace of the Indians’ rotation heading into 2015, Kluber hopes to help Cleveland ride a similar wave of momentum back into playoff contention, where they barely missed out on post-season play in 2014.
kluber, indians said "not close" in contract talks after meeting. communication lines remain open http://t.co/fjzLKp78Yp
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2015
Last year, the franchise finished 85-77, good enough for third place in the highly competitive AL Central, and three games shy of the Oakland Athletics, who claimed the final wild card spot with 88 wins.
Kluber will be accented in the starting rotation by a relatively young assortment of talented arms. Right behind him is 28 year old Carlos Carrasco, who himself experienced a breakout campaign in 2014, when he went 8-7 with a 2.55 ERA (2.44 FIP), and 140 strikeouts in 134 innings pitched.
The Indians also have the 25 year old TJ House, who is coming off of a rookie season that resulted in a solid 3.35 ERA across 18 starts and 102 innings.
In 2014, the team set a major league record by recording 1,450 strikeouts, besting the previous total set in 2013 by the Detroit Tigers with 1,428.
[H/T CBS Sports]
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