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Indians Extend Carlos Carrasco

By Jeff Todd | December 6, 2018 at 12:15pm CDT

The Indians have struck an extension with veteran righty Carlos Carrasco, announcing the deal just after Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported it (Twitter link). The ACES client will now be under contract in Cleveland through at least the 2022 campaign.

In addition to his already-exercised 2019 option, Carrasco’s 2020 option will be picked up in advance. He’ll also receive an additional $27MM in guarantees, per Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link). That comes in the form of consecutive $12MM salaries for 2021 and 2022 along with a $3MM buyout on a 2023 vesting/club option that is valued at $14MM.

In total, then, the Indians owe Carrasco $44MM in salary for his next four seasons. That’s an incredible bargain for a pitcher who has unquestionably been one of the game’s best, even if he’ll likely move past his prime years during the duration of the agreement.

Of course, the Indians have already achieved enormous value through their original long-term deal with Carrasco, who has been a steady top-of-the-rotation pitcher since signing it. In 722 innings over the past four seasons, he has worked to a 3.40 ERA with a shiny combination of 10.3 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9.

Doubling down on Carrasco represents a notable decision for a club that is reputedly dangling some of its top starters in trade talks. He’ll now presumably stick around for the time being, leaving less certainty surrounding Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer. Both figure to continue to draw plenty of attention on the trade market.

There’s obviously some risk for the Indians in today’s move, as Carrasco will turn 32 before the 2019 season. It would not have been surprising had the team preferred instead to allow him to finish out his remaining two seasons of club control before deciding whether to commit further. Of course, the contract could well deliver ample cost savings as against the veteran hurler’s on-field value. Carrasco’s velocity is down from his peak, but he also just finished a campaign in which he posted a career-best 15.3% swinging-strike rate.

On the player’s side, Carrasco has clearly continued to prioritize financial security over chasing open-market upside, as he did in his first deal. He was not operating from a position of strength in these talks given the preexisting contract structure, which he agreed to at a much less-certain stage of his career.

Extensions have represented a critical component of the Indians’ roster management strategy in recent years. The team has achieved incredible value in deals with Kluber and Jose Ramirez, though the contract with Jason Kipnis has not aged as well. Cleveland has also reportedly tried to entice star shortstop Francisco Lindor, to no avail.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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View Comments (139)
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139 Comments

  1. walls17

    7 years ago

    Probably means that Kluber is all but gone right?

    1
    Reply
    • WestCoastSoxFan

      7 years ago

      I still don’t see why you trade Kluber, but it sure sounds like they will.

      Reply
      • yes

        7 years ago

        I think the reason is 2 years in a row he has come up empty in the post-season. They are soured on him because of it.

        Reply
        • Burgeezy

          7 years ago

          Not at all correct. They are trading from depth to fill holes elsewhere and Kluber/Bauer are the best resource to do so.

          Reply
        • sportsnut969

          7 years ago

          That is not really the case the problem is more of a attendance situation the Indians normally range between 1..8 mil to 2 mil and you cannot continue to have a payroll north of 120 mil if the fans do not come out even when the team is winning.

          on top of that they even added more to the payroll prior to last season with the addition of Edwin at 20 mil and Alonso at 8 mil.

          So with the Injuries to Naquin and Zimmer and the failures of Chisenhall and Guyer that have left our outfield in bad shap with no one close to the major as far as upper level prospect talent to fill the gaps.

          with the emergence of Clevgr and Bieber and now with Carassco being lockup long term and top pitching prospect Triston McKenziethis will be added to the rotation at some point in 2019 allows them to deal from a position of power to solve a position of weekness which is both the Corner outfield positions,

          The Indians if they deal one or both of Bauer and Kluber the return cornerstone player of the deal will be a quality corner outfield type player that has plus major league experience not players that are down the road maybes.

          It will not be a 1 year problem child like rumored in Puig or a Platoon type outfielder like a Brandon Nimmo that headlines a deal.

          I believe this is why they are sitting back and waiting for the free agency to shake out a little see who ends up with Harper,

          Say the Dodgers end up with Harper maybe they would do a one for one deal Cody Bellinger for Cory Kluber Stud for Stud.

          or option 2 from the Dodgers Alex Verdugo ( More of a 5 tool type centerfielder ) & Dustin May top pitching prospect expected major league arrival 2020 and Christain Santana power hitting 3B/1B expected major league arrival 2020

          or Michael Conforto + Relief help for Kluber ( Conforto IMO is the only way a deal would happen with the Mets.

          Or Cincy has shown interest in Bauer maybe Bauer for Jesse Winkler and a relief pitcher

          suddenly you have clipped about 25 mil off the payroll and solved your outfield problems for the next 3 + years.

          Just a thought

          1
          Reply
        • Burgeezy

          7 years ago

          I honestly don’t see Conforto an appealing trade target due to lack of team control. Good player and all, but I believe they are focusing on pre-arb players. Also, a deal with the Dodgers will likely require more than just Bellinger.

          1
          Reply
        • stratcrowder

          7 years ago

          Kluber and Kipnis got Suarez and Gennett

          Reply
        • hockeyjohn

          7 years ago

          Indians need corner outfielders, bullpen, and a starting pitcher prospect.

          Reply
      • pplama

        7 years ago

        Fangraphs has a great article that about why they’d trade him.
        Basicly the AL Central stinks, they have SP depth and can extend their competitive window with the return.

        Reply
    • gson

      7 years ago

      Has no bearing on Kluber’s trade status.. Any deal involving Kluber has to make the Indians as competitive in 2019 and more competitive in 2020 & onward.. The Tribe inking of Carrasco to an extension is a fine example of a pitcher/player’s comfort level with the club that showed great faith by offering him security at a time when it was most important..

      Good for the Indians..

      Good for Cookie..

      7
      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        7 years ago

        Carrasco has probably came to the realization that his first extension cost him a big pay day and didn’t want to risk missing out on a guarantee at this point. At age 34 he probably wasn’t looking to take the risk.

        5
        Reply
        • YourDaddy

          7 years ago

          Carrasco is 31. baseball-reference.com/players/c/carraca01.shtml

          He just took another huge discount to stay in Cleveland.

          1
          Reply
        • O Conchobhair

          7 years ago

          @yourdaddy I’m guessing jbigz meant 34 when his old deal was due to end.

          1
          Reply
        • vtadave

          7 years ago

          I believe he was referring to his age once his last contract was set to expire.

          1
          Reply
        • Ryan Hilson

          7 years ago

          Bet the players association isnt happy

          Reply
      • hockeyjohn

        7 years ago

        I agree with you gson. Cleveland was patient with Carrasco as he struggled to find success. Once he was successful he signed a team friendly deal as he was happy in Cleveland. He has been good for the Indians and the Indians have been good for Carrasco. He was the easiest of the three to keep long term going forward to anchor Clevinger, Bieber, and McKenzie in 2021 and beyond. I am excited and very pleased. Kudos to the Indians front office.

        1
        Reply
        • YourDaddy

          7 years ago

          5 straight years of being in the top 10 in the AL or MLB should have meant a larger salary. He took a discount because he wants to stay in Cleveland.

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          He wants his family to have financial security. He had a health scare and took a team friendly deal because he was content with the dollars and didn’t want to roll the dice and pissed off the union in the process. Kudos to him….then he came back and did the same thing again, wish more people were like him.

          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          In 2014 he threw 134 innings in 2016 he threw 146 innings, How was he a top 10 pitcher those 2 years in the AL or the major leagues.In 2015 he had a 3.63 era.That doesn’t sound like top 10 pitcher in mlb either. Good facts

          Reply
        • sportsnut969

          7 years ago

          Plus Salazar even a guy I forget about I thought he would be in the bullpen but the Indians have recently indicated that they have not lost faith in Salazar as a starter and plan on him contending for a spot in the 2019 rotation so say you deal Kluber and Bauer and solve the outfield issues long term the rotation still looks like this

          Carrasco
          Salazar
          Clegr
          Bieber

          then you have
          Adam Plutko
          Cody Anderson

          and
          Triston McKenzie ( Top pitching prospect ready up in the rotation at some point in 2019 )
          Sam Hentges ( could shock everybody and force his way onto the team out of spring training quality lefty )

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          His WAR for those 2 seasons were 4.1 and 3.1, not bad for salaries of $500k and $4.5mil…he’s certainly been one of the best pitchers in the AL the past few years.

          Reply
      • yes

        7 years ago

        And who isn’t good for a cookie?

        (a diabetic..)

        Reply
        • sufferforsnakes

          7 years ago

          As I read this I stare at the chocolate chip cookies I made yesterday.

          Must resist.

          Reply
        • johnrealtime

          7 years ago

          Type 1 diabetic here who just had chocolate chip pancakes

          #notalldiabetics

          Reply
    • RedRooster

      7 years ago

      Not really. Depending on the dollar figure this could make CC an even stronger trade chip so it’s possible he is the one who is moved.

      1
      Reply
      • Samuel

        7 years ago

        lol

        Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Yes, it’s much easier to just type “lol” than to post a relevant, well-thought-out response isn’t it?

          1
          Reply
      • YourDaddy

        7 years ago

        Like Hand and the Padres, signing Carrasco at this very low amount of money does make him a better trade piece. Now other teams know he is locked through 2023 at below market prices and that makes him more valuable in trade.

        1
        Reply
      • Slevin

        7 years ago

        CC Sabathia is not on the trade block. Did you mean CK, as in Corey Kluber?

        2
        Reply
        • rivera42

          7 years ago

          CC as in Carlos Carrasco.

          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Are Carlos Carrasco’s initials not “CC?”

          Reply
        • Slevin

          7 years ago

          The original guy was wondering what this does with Kluber. Plus nobody refers to him as CC.

          1
          Reply
    • Dennid

      7 years ago

      Have you heard any rumor of potential players in return from any other team that makes sense? Maybe the Mets if outfielders are included.

      Reply
    • T_Rexx2

      7 years ago

      In my opinion you should trade Bauer. First year he has shown elite stuff, has a funky delivery and is at his most valuable.

      Reply
  2. goldenmisfit

    7 years ago

    You have to wonder if this was done to solidify the front end of the rotation because they anticipate this week they will be trading Kluber.

    2
    Reply
  3. Falsehope

    7 years ago

    Starting pitchers are flying off the shelves

    Reply
  4. WestCoastSoxFan

    7 years ago

    Indians committing to the wrong guy. Both Bauer and Kluber are better.

    2
    Reply
    • sweetness2577

      7 years ago

      Bauer won’t commit long term or I think they probably would have tried hard to keep him

      3
      Reply
      • WestCoastSoxFan

        7 years ago

        Agreed. Bauer seems to only want to go year-to-year. I’d trade him instead of Kluber if one has to go.

        1
        Reply
    • The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

      7 years ago

      Carrasco having a guaranteed salary makes him very valuable either to keep or as trade bait. Bauer will go year-to-year in Arb, so who knows what you’re paying him.

      Call me crazy, but I think the “trade Kluber” talk is a giant smokescreen to actually trade Bauer or Carrasco once he signs an extension and his cost is guaranteed (a la Brad Hand and the Padres). The Carrasco domino has now fallen and we’ll probably see within a week.

      2
      Reply
      • Meow Meow

        7 years ago

        To my understanding, inking the extension means that Carrasco can’t be traded without his permission until midseason. I’m sure someone will let me know if I’m wrong.

        1
        Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Rule only applies to free agent signings. Not extensions.

          3
          Reply
        • The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

          7 years ago

          Correct. Carrasco now has cost certainty attached to him for 4 years with a 5th year vesting option at probably 1/3 the cost of Patrick Corbin. He now becomes a massive trade chip and in many ways about as valuable as Kluber. I still think the Tribe just trades Bauer due the the cost uncertainty. Small market teams can’t have 8 figure uncertainties in their budget each year, which leaves Bauer as odd man out.

          1
          Reply
        • Samuel

          7 years ago

          They signed him to trade him?

          You have the Indians organization and the way they treat their players confused with Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Padres, Mariners, Phillies and most of MLB.

          Like the Royals, the Indians stand by their players and treat them as family. Some players leave in free agency – Michael Brantley – because of small market budget constraints; some get traded after years with the team, and they are kept abreast of why and where to.

          The Indians don’t look to turn over their roster 50% each year as if they are a fantasy league team. They would never sign a player long-term and backstab him with a trade. They’re a quality organization.

          1
          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          I didn’t know trading a player was “backstabbing” him. If getting to stay in CLE was important to CC then getting a NTC as part of the deal would have been a smart move for him. And if the Indians are as loyal to their players as you claim, giving him a NTC should have been a non-issue for them.

          1
          Reply
        • Priggs89

          7 years ago

          ^Found an Indians fan

          Reply
        • WestCoastSoxFan

          7 years ago

          A “quality organization”…that hasn’t won anything in 70 years.

          Maybe they aren’t doing it right, after all?

          2
          Reply
        • Cuso

          7 years ago

          Samuel, meet Earth. Earth meet Samuel.

          Reply
        • Samuel

          7 years ago

          “I didn’t know trading a player was “backstabbing” him.”
          – –
          You don’t?

          A man signs to play for a team for 4 years and they immediately trade him – uprooting him and his family.

          Would “sandbagging” suit you better?

          Go back to computer games and fantasy baseball. This is a real sport which involves adults.

          Reply
        • Slevin

          7 years ago

          Now that’s rofl to the hilt!!!

          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          Really?Jeter Williams Gardner Rivera Tanaka Matsui Posada lifetime Yankees ARod O’Neill and Sabbathia lifetime Yanks after being acquired in trades. Almost none of the current Yankees starting offense or pitchers are free agent signings but players who came thru there system or were acquired b4 they developed like Hicks and Didi. Now tell me all the players still left from the KC World Series team.Think before you write

          1
          Reply
        • arcticvampire

          7 years ago

          It’s also a business and when you sign a contract with a team said team can and WILL trade you if it benefits them..

          Money talks bullshit walks..

          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          If getting traded is such a problem for CC there’s a simple solution: get a NTC!

          Reply
        • Slevin

          7 years ago

          Tanaka-FA, Matsui-FA
          Some of those players you mentioned are not lifetime Yankees, Paul O’Neal for one.

          Reply
        • WestCoastSoxFan

          7 years ago

          Tanaka and Matsui both played for Professional teams before signing with the Yankees.

          1
          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          Yes but I was responding to acomment that the Yankees trade there players and get free agents. Neither of these guys got tradedoncethey became Yankees. and btw both were considered rookies there first year for Yankeesand for Paul O”Neill I said after YAnkees signed him he stayed with Yankees

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          Bingo!

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          And if they’re that loyal, a gentleman’s agreement doesn’t need to be in writing…

          Reply
        • Burgeezy

          7 years ago

          Tanaka, sabathia, and matsui were all free agent signings…

          Reply
        • Boogaloo

          7 years ago

          Why no mention of the Mets?

          Reply
    • sufferforsnakes

      7 years ago

      Cookie ain’t no slouch. Most teams would love to have him in their rotation.

      3
      Reply
      • sweetness2577

        7 years ago

        I think Bauer is the one that is most likely to go even tho I love the dude he might bring back the biggest return tho so who knows I bet if something is gonna happen it’s probably gonna be Soon with all the dominoes starting to fall

        Reply
      • sweetness2577

        7 years ago

        Also don’t see the Indians pulling what the Padres did I think we signed cookie to keep him for the long haul

        Reply
      • YourDaddy

        7 years ago

        Top 10 in baseball the last 3 seasons.

        fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&…

        Reply
        • sufferforsnakes

          7 years ago

          Exactly! He’s better than most fans know, and very affordable.

          1
          Reply
    • RedRooster

      7 years ago

      Kluber already signed through his age 35 season. Bauer not interested in extending.

      1
      Reply
    • Willy Mays

      7 years ago

      klubers signed for 3 years Bauer won’t sign .So what exactly are you talking about

      Reply
  5. Chris

    7 years ago

    Yankeees need to go heavy on Keuchel if they want a better piece than Happ to solidify their bullpen

    Reply
    • khopper10

      7 years ago

      Bullpen?

      1
      Reply
    • walls17

      7 years ago

      Morton

      Reply
    • Burgeezy

      7 years ago

      What does this article have to do with the Yankees?

      4
      Reply
      • Samuel

        7 years ago

        Yankee fans think every move another team makes has to do with the Yankees. They think MLB revolves around the Yankees.

        The most disrespectful, entitled, arrogant, baseball-ignorant fanbase in America. Ready to diss their own players in a heartbeat. Lead the league in being front-runners.

        3
        Reply
        • leftcoaster

          7 years ago

          Well, they do have 27 championships. So there’s that.

          Reply
        • Slevin

          7 years ago

          Name your favorite team there Sammy so everyone can be rude and dissect them. Whoever your team is we already know there’s at least one disrespectful, and baseball-ignorant fan rooting for them. Clue, it’s you Sammy boy! What a Richard…

          Reply
        • Samuel

          7 years ago

          lol

          Hey Slevinie,

          With all their never-ending pub and spending, da Yankees have won one championship in the 21st century.

          That puts them equal with the D-Backs, Angels, Marlins, White Sox, Phillies, Royals, Cubs, Astros……and behind the Cardinals, Giants, and Red Sox.

          How come fans of those teams don’t come on here and try to dominate dialogues all day and night?

          I liked the Yankees with Jeter & company. Now they’re just reverting back to George’s overpaid free agent’s and salary dumps of the 80’s and early 90’s that didn’t win anything.

          Seriously – how do you guys justify that manager?

          1
          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          Who are the Yankees big fa signings. 1b Voit Bird 2b Torres ss Didi 3b Andujar of Hicks Judge Stanton in a trade Gardner c Sanchez.Pitching staff Montgomery Severino Tanaka Gray in a trade Sabbathia and Paxton in trade. I wish Yankee haters would use facts rather than making things up. They had a 170 million dollar payroll last year which placed them about 10th in the league in spending and won 100 games

          1
          Reply
        • butch779988

          7 years ago

          Ancient history

          1
          Reply
        • Boogaloo

          7 years ago

          Hes a Mets fan, ain’t it funny how he won’t admit it? Lol

          Says alot

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          They have 27 titles and probably 23 were many years before most Yankee fans became Yankee fans, and the few won in their lifetimes were done with payrolls in a while different stratosphere than 95% of the rest of MLB. talk about buying high!

          Reply
  6. Wahoo What a Finish!

    7 years ago

    This entire off season by the Tribe so far has been beyond confusing. You non-tender Brantley due to financial reasons but then you throw a bunch of money at your 3rd best (maybe 4th best with Clevinger coming on) pitcher? Never mind you have probably the worst outfield in the AL as currently constructed and you have at first baseman that had a putrid second half of the season and looks to be regressing. To me, running a baseball club is like having a proper investment strategy. You invest for your short and long term goals and don’t deviate simply because market conditions fluctuate. What exactly is the Indians strategy right now? I haven’t a clue.

    Reply
    • ohiodevil 2

      7 years ago

      It’s December 6th….give it time, they’ll be fine.

      Reply
    • sweetness2577

      7 years ago

      For the next 4 years he’s still going to be a really good and above average pitcher so this is a solid sign basically every team would love to have Cookie on there team

      Reply
      • Wahoo What a Finish!

        7 years ago

        Is he though? Most pitchers regress throughout their 30s and he’s already 31. I’m just not very optimistic on this signing.

        Reply
    • The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

      7 years ago

      I still think an Andrew McCutchen 2 or 3 year signing is on the horizon to shore up corner OF.

      Reply
      • Michael Chaney

        7 years ago

        McCutchen is such an obvious fit for the Indians…almost too obvious

        Reply
    • norcalguardiansfan

      7 years ago

      The Carrasco signing confuses me, too, but I think they are trying to look beyond their presumed window, which would have closed after 2020 or 21, when the core would leave. My assumption was that they would try to contend in 19 and 20, then trade off all the remaining core. Obviously, they are trying to extend their window by dealing one of their most valuable assets for a couple of controllable, high upside players. They apparently believe that Carrasco will continue to pitch at his current level for several years. I’m not sure I agree with that, but they are the experts.

      This is a dangerous strategy. Lots of teams have tried to extend their window to their dismay. I guess we shall see….in my opinion, they would be better off strategically trading off the big contracts as the end of the window arrives so that other teams inherit the risk of a player’s decline. By the way, this is why they didn’t resign Brantley. (They didn’t non-tender him.) I suppose this contract COULD make Carrasco more attractive to another team if he pitches well this year….more control at team friendly prices. It is a big risk, though.

      Reply
      • norcalguardiansfan

        7 years ago

        Just saw the numbers. Amazingly team friendly deal. The Indians had to accept this offer.

        Reply
    • Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA

      7 years ago

      They never NTd Brantley. Brantley was a free agent. It’s seem pretty safe to assume that in a middling market QO him would have been excessive considering he’s not getting that on the open market and they need to make multiple moves. I’m not sure this is that puzzling in terms of what the Indians are doing. Kluber is 32 and has a CY young kicker. He’s thrown a ton innings and they are trying to move him a year early rather than late. This is basically them trying to retool their OF and a couple of holes using the extreme depth in their staff. If Bauer has another year comparable to last year and Clevinger continues to toss they will do the same thing with Bauer. What they’re doing makes totally sense. Now the question is can they execute? The extension is no way restrictive down the road nor outrageous.

      Reply
    • hojostache

      7 years ago

      Carrasco’s deal is well below market value for the stats he has put up. He clearly took a hometown discount and CLE is the benefactor.

      I’ve been hoping Wheeler would do the same for the Mets, who stuck by him despite pretty inconsistent seasons. and injury. The Mets need some cost control because deGrom and Syndergaard are going to be expeeeeeeensive in arbitration and their ownership runs the club like a small market team.

      Reply
  7. Yanks2

    7 years ago

    What could the Indians get from the Yankees for Kluber? Andujar only, or something like Chance Adams, Clint Frazier, and Sonny Gray?

    Reply
    • LostYankee

      7 years ago

      I am a die-hard Yankees fan and even I believe Adams, Frazier and Gray would not be enough to land Kluber. Gray I see landing in either Oakland or an NL team, Frazier doesn’t have as much trade value as people mark up right now due to injury history, and Adams while a good prospect, isn’t adequate value to headline package for Kluber. It has to start with one of our top prospects, i.e. Florial etc and go from there.

      Reply
      • gson

        7 years ago

        The deal above is a negotiating starting point.. A few items..

        No on Clint Frazier.. the Indians sent him away for baseball reasons.. and now he has medical reasons that preclude him from being an Indian again.

        No on Gray.. his salary makes him untenable to the Indians. They are looking to reduce payroll.. not make a revenue neutral deal.

        The Indians would be inclined to ask for three of four of Miguel Andujar, Estevan Florial, Domingo Acevedo and Jonathan Loaisiga.

        That would be closer to what Kluber will cost.. If NYY fans think it’s too much.. sign Keuchel or someone else..

        2
        Reply
        • Burgeezy

          7 years ago

          What baseball reasons did they send Frazier away for? I’ve never seen or heard anything like that.

          1
          Reply
        • Samuel

          7 years ago

          Probably would want all four.

          Look at what the D-Backs got back yesterday for one year of Goldschmidt.

          There is a shortage of proven starting pitchers available. Especially an elite ace with no history of injuries and an undervalued contract for 3 years.

          Reply
        • mathblaster

          7 years ago

          All he had going for himself was legendary bat speed. Nothing else really

          1
          Reply
        • gson

          7 years ago

          Swiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg and a MISS !!

          Way too much..

          Reply
        • Boogaloo

          7 years ago

          The baseball reason was to get the best reliever in baseball at the time.

          For some reason this Indian fan thinks by trashing him now on a message board the tribe will recieve a better deal, lol.

          Reply
    • mathblaster

      7 years ago

      We don’t want reclamation projects like Sonny Gray or fallen from grace prospects like Frazier. We need MLB ready talent if we move Kluber.

      Yankee fans keep thinking their scraps and cast offs are enough to bring in an elite arm like Kluber…simply ridiculous. I don’t even see how Andujar fits. A solid everyday outfielder is what we need

      1
      Reply
      • Samuel

        7 years ago

        Indians would move Yandy Diaz off 3B and into RF. He can play there.

        Indians coaches and even Jose Rameriz would work with Andujar to square away his D. Once EE is gone, Andujar would move up from 5th to clean-up in the batting order.
        –
        I’m now looking at Bauer being traded instead. The Padres might be a match. Don’t see the Indians having any interest in Renfroe though – unbelievably weak arm, history of K’s and low OBP. Antonetti, Chernoff, and Francona put a priority on OBP.

        Reply
        • mathblaster

          7 years ago

          Hindsight is 20/20 but we really should’ve traded Mejia for Yelich last offseason

          1
          Reply
        • sufferforsnakes

          7 years ago

          Yandy is not, I repeat, not an outfielder. They already tried that with him. Only position he’ll move to is 1B.

          Reply
        • hockeyjohn

          7 years ago

          They tried Yandy Diaz in the OF in the minors. It did not work out. If he could, they would have moved him there last year instead of Kipnis. Andujar not the best fit as the Indians value defense. I am not sure whether he has ever played the outfield.

          1
          Reply
        • sportsnut969

          7 years ago

          Diaz has zero power he is a bench utility guy at best if this guy is starting at any position then you are already in trouble in 2019

          Jose Ramirez is moving back to 3rd base where he wants to play this is why they started playing Chang at 2nd base their top ready infield prospect who will get every chance this spring to lock down the 2nd base job.

          I believe unless they find a team to take on Kipnis he will more likely fill the roll as Super Utility player.

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          And his Punch and Judy bat is not a corner bat (1B/3B or LR/LF) offensively and doesn’t have the skill set to play up the middle defensively.

          Reply
  8. Willy Mays

    7 years ago

    People tallking about this signing making Carrasco more likely to be traded. Carrasco is 32.
    I think most teams would have preferred Carrasco for 2 years at a reasonable salary rather than 4 years at a less reasonable salary going till he is 36

    Reply
    • RedRooster

      7 years ago

      Let’s wait until the dollar figure comes out before we start calling his salary “less reasonable” than whatever it was before.

      Reply
      • Willy Mays

        7 years ago

        Just don’t see Carrasco accepting a salary for the last two years that doesn’t at least match the first two years

        Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          He didn’t. But even if we assume normal regression he’d still have no problem providing surplus value on the contract.

          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          He might but I still think most teams would view a 2 year Carrasco as better deal than a 4 year Carrasco at 32. Much bigger risk trading for a 32 year old pitcher with a 4 year contract

          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Not when he is expected to produced surplus value on that contract every year of it even with expected regression factored in.

          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          Thats if he stays health for 4 years If something happens to him in the first or second year the teams in trouble. When you’re dealing with a 32 year old pitcher thats definitely a consideration.This is a pitcher who did get injured in 2016 and 2014. Maybe you have some kind of insurance he’s healthy for the net 4 years. no trading GM gets that same insurance.So back t0what I said this extended contract does not make Carrasco a better trade option for other teams

          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Well yeah, you don’t get extra years of control over a pitcher this good for this cheap without taking on some kind of risk. CC being controlled for two more years at a very palatable salary is evidently worth the risk. If the Indians feel this way, it stands to reason other teams do as well.

          Reply
        • Willy Mays

          7 years ago

          L00k I like Carrasco and i’m glad the Indians extended him.it was a class move.i just don’r think it made him a better trading option.btw he helped me win my fantasy league 2 years ago

          Reply
    • The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

      7 years ago

      Carrasco, like Kluber, was a very late bloomer who didn’t emerge until his late 20’s. Lots less mileage on his arm. He also isn’t reliant on 100MPH heat, but has ponpoint control, so will likely age very well, similar to Kluber.

      1
      Reply
      • sweetness2577

        7 years ago

        so you’d rather have Nate Eovaldi at 4 yrs 67 mil than cookie at 4 and 44 mil?

        1
        Reply
        • The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

          7 years ago

          uhhh, no. I thought I was clear that the Carrasco deal was a massive good deal for the Indians. Eovaldi and the Sox? Not so much. Corbin and the Nats? Holy cow is that a dumpster fire of a deal for Washington.

          Reply
        • sweetness2577

          7 years ago

          people are complaining that he’s too old and it’s not the best deal it’s an amazing deal for the Indians and also a really good deal for Carlos like it’s basically a win win for all involved

          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Not a good deal for Carlos unless it has a NTC

          Reply
        • Polish Hammer

          7 years ago

          You’re the only one that seems to care about that. If he would get traded it would be at a time the Tribe falls apart and some team trades for him to bolster their playoff run; since he’d be in his mid 30s and taking a shot at a title who would care? In the meantime he and his family are content to have financial security forever…but somehow you know better.

          Reply
        • RedRooster

          7 years ago

          Point is people always say “It keeps him in a city he is familiar and comfortable with.” Not true.

          Reply
  9. Brian Meyer

    7 years ago

    Wow. Insanely team friendly deal. Holy smokes.

    Reply
  10. Samuel

    7 years ago

    The man was an immature hothead with wasted talent when the Indians got him from the Phillies. I for one never thought he’d amount to anything.

    Kudos to the Indians organization – particularly Terry Francona and ex-pitching coach Mickey Callaway – for being patient, understanding but firm, squaring away his mechanics, and bringing out his potential.

    Mr. Carrasco is smart to stay with the Indians organization.

    1
    Reply
    • gson

      7 years ago

      It was when he went strictly from the stretch that Cookie became the pitcher he is today.. That was ALL Micky Callaway..

      2
      Reply
    • Boogaloo

      7 years ago

      Mickey Callaway is a joke, lol.

      He had nothing to do with it.

      Reply
  11. The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

    7 years ago

    If yoy believe WAR projections, Carrasco will deliver 4.5 WAR this season and 15 WAR over the next four years. The Indians paid $44 million, or less than 1/3 of what Corbin got, for that.

    Massive coup here by the Indians. The excess value here is massive.

    4
    Reply
  12. Bald Vinny

    7 years ago

    Hopefully he has a full no trade clause. Don’t want to get Bronson Arroyo’d.

    Reply
  13. Bruin1012

    7 years ago

    I’m guessing Bauer will ultimately be the Indian that is moved. Unless Cleveland is completely blown away they are not trading Kluber is my guess.

    1
    Reply
  14. gson

    7 years ago

    The extensions are being reported (By the ABJ) as 12 MM for the first two years and $ 14 MM for the vesting year option with a 3 MM buy out.. A guarantee of $ 27 MM with a maximum value of $38 MM extension for the three years..

    Pretty good for a pitcher of Carrasco’s quality..

    1
    Reply
  15. mlb1225

    7 years ago

    That’s a great deal for the Indians. They just locked down a starter for multiple years for less than $15 million annually who’s lowest ERA the past 3 seasons was 3.38 in 2018. Good job, Tribe.

    Reply
  16. Boogaloo

    7 years ago

    They extend a 32 year old but want to deal a 28 year old with two years left who makes less money?

    Bauer must really be a nut case. Hopefully the Mets get him thst would be comical.

    Reply
    • hojostache

      7 years ago

      I am so hoping against this because the Mets have enough dysfunction in the front office, no sense spreading it to the clubhouse. The asking price of the Mets always seems to be higher than most other teams, so….hard pass if Conforto/Nimmo or even McNeil are demanded. The far better play if the mets were serious about adding another frontline pitching would be Morton.

      Here are the Steamer projections for 2019:
      deGrom…2.93ERA 1.06WHIP, 5.8WAR
      Syndergaard….3.52 ERA, 1.18WHIP, 3.6WAR
      Wheeler…3.86ERA, 1.26WHIP, 2.7WAR
      Matz….4.05ERA, 1.29WHIP, 1.9WAR

      Morton: 3.51ERA, 1.24WHIP, 3.2WAR
      Bauer: 3.55ERA, 1.20WHIP, 4.0WAR

      Morton is the far better option because he will only cost money and he doesn’t have some of the off the field baggage of Bauer.

      Reply
    • hockeyjohn

      7 years ago

      Carrasco was willing to extend his time in Cleveland at a great value to the Indians. Bauer has mentioned that he wants to go year to year on contracts. I would describe Bauer as unique. His training routine and work ethic are special. I respect him for that. By the way, Bauer is likely to earn more money in 2019.

      Reply
    • debubba

      7 years ago

      I would color him “comical”.

      Reply
  17. goldenmisfit

    7 years ago

    Not saying this was a Yankees related move but we also need to look at the writing on the wall. Yankees were talking to the Indians about Cory and now they extend Carlos who already had two more years of control. Would not be surprised if Cory goes to the Yankees by the end of the winter meetings.

    Reply
    • norcalguardiansfan

      7 years ago

      Very possible, but we were talking to the Mets and Dodgers, too.

      Reply
      • Boogaloo

        7 years ago

        The Dodgers I can see but the Mets? What the hell do they have to offer?

        They might have the worst farm system in baseball.

        Unless they trade syndegaard

        Reply
        • norcalguardiansfan

          7 years ago

          I’m not saying a trade was imminent. The rumor was that they were/might have been offering Nimmo+ or Syndergaard+. (Although Mets fans felt that if we wanted Syndergaard, it would be Kluber +. You can imagine what Indians fans thought of that).

          Reply
  18. stansfield123

    7 years ago

    Trading Kluber or Bauer for young talent makes perfect sense. The Indians are not threatened in the division, in any way. They don’t need to worry about the short term.

    So there’s nothing wrong with investing in the future. It won’t keep them from winning the division next year. And, once you get to the playoffs, it’s a lottery. It’s not about who has the best regular season team, it’s about who’s hot and who has the right personality. A utility infielder and a no. 5 starter can get hot and put up better playoff numbers than the regular season MVP and the CY Young winner.

    2
    Reply
  19. joeyuno

    7 years ago

    Maybe this means now with all those added years they will still trade him but now for a much larger haul…Yankees.

    Reply

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