Under Terry Francona‘s guidance in his first season along the shores of Lake Erie, they surprised baseball pundits and gained a wild card berth. They appear poised to contend for a post-season spot in 2013, but that could change if they part ways with rotation ace Justin Masterson.
Masterson, who was acquired by the Indians from the Red Sox in the 2009 trade deadline deal that shipped Victor Martinez to Boston, is just 28, and he posted a 14-10 record with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and 195 strikeouts in 193 innings.
Yet he is in his final year of arbitration eligibility. According to MLB Trade Rumors, he will receive $9 million to $10 million in 2014.
Beyond Masterson, Cleveland’s rotation features promising young arms like Cory Kluber, Danny Salazar, Zach McAllister and Carlos Carrasco. Trevor Bauer, who will be 23 in January, is one of the game’s top pitching prospects, and he is expected to fight for a rotation spot in spring training.
Unloading Masterson this offseason would put a damper on Cleveland’s postseason changes for 2014 since the rotation is mostly young and inexperienced. The Indians have a formidable lineup with names like Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera and free agent signee David Murphy.
The Indians could opt to trade Cabrera, who is 28 and will be a free agent after getting $10 million in 2014. Top prospect Francisco Lindor, who is 20, is the shortstop of the near future for the Tribe. He is expected to be ready sometime next season, or at least by 2015.
Shedding Cabrera’s salary this offseason, or t some point in 2014, could allow them to keep Masterson, a move that would allow the Indians to remain a contender.
