Indians Extend Kluber

The Cleveland Indians have gotten one of their top players starting pitcher Corey Kluber to a long-term contract. Kluber, 28, gets a five-year contract, that's worth $38.5 million. The deal also includes two team options, one for 2020 and the other for 2021. In the up coming seasons starting in 2015 he'll make $1 million, 2016 season $4.5 million, 017 $7.5 million, 018 $10.5 million, and in 019 $13 million. In the fifth year can go from $13 million to $17 million. The first option in 2020, is worth $13.5 million and can go to $17.5 million. His option in 2021, can go is $14 million and can go up to $18 million. His second option can be bought out for $1 million.

If the Indians decide to trade Kluber, then his new club will have to decide on both options within three days after the 2019 World Series. If that club were to decline the option, Kluber then must be given a $1 million buyout. Kluber also will receive a $1 million bonus if he's traded and his 2021 club option will convert into a vesting option if he were to be traded in 2020. The vesting option would call for him to pitch 160 innings and not finish the year on the disabled list (DL).

Kluber was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2007 MLB draft. The Padres would then deal him to the Cleveland Indians in 2010, in a three-way trade that involved the St. Louis Cardinals. The Indians would send pitcher Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals, the Padres sent Kluber to the Indians and pitcher Nick Greenwood to the Cardinals. The Cardinals ended up sending outfielder Ryan Ludwick to the Padres.

Last season, he had a breakout season. Leading the American League (AL) in wins with 18, along with pitchers Jered Weaver and Max Scherzer . He struckout 269 batters, which was good for second-best in the MLB, only behind David Price who had 271 strikeouts. He finished the 2014 season 18-9 with an era of 2.44. His era ended up being third best in the league. Those stats helped him win the 2014 AL Cy Young Award.

Kluber is entering the fifth MLB season, so far in his career his stats are: 31 wins, 19 losses, 3.34 era, 450.1 innings, 464 strikeouts, 75 games, 70 starts, and a whip of 1.21. He also has three complete games, and 1 shutout.

It's a good move by the Indians, getting one of their core players signed to a long-term contract. He should be able to improve for the Indians.