Whether to extend Corey Kluber and for how much is arguably the largest question looming over the Indians as this season begins.
The sides met recently to discuss the matter, but both Indians general manager Chris Antonetti and Kluber's agent, B.B. Abbott, did not want to discuss the issue much beyond saying mutual admiration and interest exists between the parties.
Abbott, though, did say, "If he considers this, he is doing it with his eyes wide open. He knows this will be the only time to sign this kind of multi-year deal."
This is where the complication sets in. Kluber seems as if he should be young because he only emerged big-time in the last two years, winning the AL Cy Young last year. But he turns 29 in April. Abbott mentioned that another of his elite clients, Chris Sale (who finished third for the AL Cy voting last year), signed a long-term extension with the White Sox, but did so at such a young age that if even if Chicago picks up both options, Sale will only be 31 as a free agent.
Kluber is not even arbitration eligible until next offseason. So, in theory, Cleveland could go year to year with him and not gamble he will hold together into his 30s. As a two-time Cy winner following the 2009 season, Tim Lincecum asked for $13 million as a first-time arbitration eligible before settling on a two-year contract. The Indians fear Kluber could ask for that much or more and their market size would have trouble handling his salary, especially as it escalated in future years (assuming continued success).
Kluber could go year to year, but he would risk he never is as good as he was in 2014. Also, he would be a free agent after the 2018 campaign and head into the next season at age 33. That would put him at a similar age as James Shields was, when Shields struggled this winter to find a good long-term deal before agreeing to a four-year, $75 million deal.
For now, the sides continue to chat with no clear signs of settling, but also with seemingly no animus. As Antonetti said, "Corey represents all the attributes we are looking for in players in the way he prepares, in the way he leads, in the way he interacts with teammates. His success is not accidental. It is a direct reflection of his work ethic."
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