While signing big-name free agents such as Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn last year drew headlines and fueled the Indians' run to an AL wild-card bid, keeping their young talent will make more of a difference in Cleveland remaining a contender for years to come. The Tribe locked down one key piece of its core on Monday, inking outfielder Michael Brantley to a four-year, $25 million extension.
Brantley, 26, arguably had his best season yet for the Indians in 2013, batting .284 with a .728 OPS, 10 home runs, 73 RBI and 17 stolen bases. According to FanGraphs' Ultimate Zone Rating, Brantley struggled in the field, costing Cleveland four runs compared to the average player at his position. Perhaps that can be attributed to moving to left field from center, where he played all of 2012, to make room for Bourn. But his ability to play all three outfield positions adds to his value.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports that the contract includes an $11 million option for 2018. (If the Indians decide not to pick up that option, they'll owe Brantley a $1 million buyout.) The deal buys out Brantley's three seasons of arbitration eligibility, which should save the Tribe some money over the long term. An average annual salary of $6.25 million is likely lower than what a comparable player would cost in free agency. (For example, Cleveland signed David Murphy — six years older than Brantley — to a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason.)
MLB Trade Rumors projected Brantley for a $3.7 million salary through arbitration this season. But as CBS Sports' Jon Heyman tweeted, Brantley will be paid $1.5 million in 2014 before his salary escalates in each of the remaining three years of the contract. He'll also receive a signing bonus of $3.5 million, but as far as the luxury tax threshold and collective bargaining agreement are concerned, that money is spread out over the four years of the deal. That brings his 2014 figure to $2.38 million, still below the $3.8 million figure Brantley filed in arbitration and the Indians' counter-offer of $2.7 million.
Brantley is all the Indians have to show for trading CC Sabathia to the Brewers in 2008. Matt LaPorta was supposed to be the centerpiece of that deal for Cleveland, but was never able to hit well enough (or stop striking out enough) to stay in the majors. The Tribe let him go as a free agent after last season and he just signed a minor league deal with the Orioles. Pitcher Zack Jackson only appeared in 12 games for the Indians and has bounced around the Rangers and Royals organizations. Rob Bryson is still in the Cleveland system, but the reliever was demoted from Triple-A to Double-A last season.
Salvaging Brantley from the Sabathia trade isn't why the team prioritized signing him to a contract extension, but getting one piece from that deal — even if he's not a star, but a solid, durable player — prevents it from being a total disaster.
