The Indians and outfielder Michael Brantley are closing in on a long-term deal, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (Twitter links). The deal could be for four years with an option, says Hoynes. Brantley is represented by the Legacy Agency.
As things stand, the sides still have to resolve a pending arbitration case ($3.8MM vs. $2.7MM) for the 26-year-old. Brantley, who slashed .284/.332/.396 last year in 611 plate appearances, is presently under team control through 2016. A four-year deal would cover one free agent year, with an option extending to another.
I’m predicting 4 years/$24MM w/ a $1MM buyout on an $11MM option.
2014: $3MM
2015: $5MM
2016: $7MM
2017: $9MM
2018: $11MM option w/ $1MM buyout.
This is essentially the Maybin deal (if you ignore the 1st, pre-arb year), which is immediately where my thoughts went. Seems like a pretty good comp, though Maybin was 1 yr of service behind and was coming off of a 40 SB, 4-+ WAR year.
Another is Franklin Gutierrez (4/20.5), though that is pretty out of date.
Will be a very interesting point of observation for the extension market if agreement is reached (long-term deal for non-premium player from club with sub-$100MM payroll).
If the Tribe gets that deal, it’s a huge win for the team. You’re getting his four peak years for $25mm. I hope you’re right.
Arbitration seasons are usually cheap.
Wow. Something tells me you knew this ahead of time lol
Could see that. Melky’s $16M/2 sets a good bar too for a non elite corner outfielder with not a whole lot of power. Essentially paying $10M for his 2017 year, and $10M for another if he is good. Not sure I’m a fan if price came to that. Not big on $80M/year payroll teams devoting that much of their money to non-elite players. Brantley is fine, but unless he grew his power out he really isn’t anything special. More like average offensively at best compared to leftfielders.
I’ve always loved Brantley. I think he has the potential a very good outfielder for the Indians. I remember near the end of last year, there was a stretch of four or five games where he had at least four hits in each one. He really caught fire for the Tribe down the stretch.
I also really like Brantley. He also showed some flashes of power this year. I’m hoping that continues to blossom. He is still pretty young.
He is also excellent at gunning down runners trying to stretch singles into doubles.
Glad he will (potentially) be signing an extension.
Wow, you kind of called his break-out. He busted out huge time.
Really happy about this. Brantley doesn’t get the media attention that our other outfielders get but he is just as important, really under appreciated. Hope to see him in a Tribe uniform for a long time.
Glad the Indians got something back in the CC trade considering the other prospects at the time didn’t pan out. He has at least added a solid anchor to their OF.
Unless he’s changed agents recently I know Brantley’s agent Josh… good luck man get it done