The Cleveland Indians plan to exercise Corey Kluber's $17.5-million option for 2020, president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti announced Wednesday, according to Joe Noga of Cleveland.com.
Kluber put up a 5.80 ERA in just seven starts for the Indians this year. His campaign ended May 1 when a comebacker fractured his right forearm.
He avoided surgery and had hopes of returning down the stretch when he made three rehab starts in August, but the right-hander suffered an oblique strain during his final minor-league outing.
The 33-year-old's contract also contains a club option for 2021, which is now valued at $18 million with a $1-million buyout, according to Cot's Contracts.
Two of Kluber's longtime teammates likely won't be returning to Cleveland with him. The Indians will decline the club options on second baseman Jason Kipnis and reliever Dan Otero, Antonetti announced.
Kipnis' option would have paid him $16.5 million in 2020, but he'll instead receive a $2.5-million buyout as he heads into free agency for the first time.
The 32-year-old was the Indians' second-round pick in 2009 and made two All-Star appearances in nine years with the team, helping it to three straight playoff appearances and the 2016 American League pennant. However, he struggled to produce at a high level the past few seasons.
It was widely expected that Kipnis' option would be declined after he slashed .245/.304/.410 in only 121 games this year before undergoing hand surgery in September.
"It's been a thrill to be here," Kipnis told Cleveland.com's Paul Hoynes in September. "I've loved this city from Day 1. It'll be missed."
Otero, who spent the last four years with the Indians, put up a 4.85 ERA in only 29 2/3 innings this season. The 34-year-old will receive a $100,000 buyout.
