Just a quick note to say that a lot of back-and-forth and some concern that it wouldn’t happen or wouldn’t happen until the end of the season, the Indians just announced that they signed Jason Kipnis to a six-year, $52 million contract extension through the 2019 season with a club option for 2020 (and there was much rejoicing). According to Jon Heyman at CBS, the breakdown is: $1 million signing bonus and annual salary per year: $2 million, $4 million, $6 million, $9 million, $13.5 million, $14.5 million, and $16.5 million option in 2020 with a $2.5 million buyout. This is a fine birthday present for young Mr. Kipnis, who turned 27 yesterday. The Indians selected Kipnis in the 2nd round (63rd overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, making him one of the few homegrown star-quality players in recent memory. He made his major league debut on July 22, 2011; a week later, he became the first Indians rookie to homer in four consecutive games since Al Rosen.
The Indians now have 16 players under contract through at least 2016. They include:
Cody Allen
John Axford
Michael Bourn
Michael Brantley
Lonnie Chisenhall
Yan Gomes
Jason Kipnis
Corey Kluber
Zach McAllister
David Murphy
Ryan Raburn
Marc Rzepczynski
Carlos Santana
Danny Salazar
RHP Bryan Shaw
1B Nick Swisher
About half these names (Allen, Brantley, Gomes, Kipnis, Kluber, Raburn, Santana, Salazar) are players that feel like they could and should be core players going forward. All we need to do is add Justin Masterson’s name to this list.
FANTASTIC! Way to get this deal done. I am all for criticizing Antonetti and Dolans when appropriate, but I have to give credit where credit is due!
Great news to wake up to for the home opener!
This is a great development for the future. A lot of strong talent now locked up for several years. Maybe this can shake something loose with Masterson. Perhaps show him what a true home-town discount looks like. Especially when it can be shown that Masterson while he is a good pitcher he has not shown the consistency needed in order to pay him anywhere near what he was asking for. He is not a top 10 pitcher and should not be paid as such…
Good news!
Props for a good article, a good signing, and a Monty Python link.
fantastic value on this contract.
This is a great deal.
It made too much sense not to get done, and I’m glad I don’t have to write an article in May about how this exact deal should have been made in April.
AND it’s Opening Day? What a good start to the day.
I’m glad no one will have to write an article about his free agency and signing with the Yanks/Beaners/Dodgers, either.
great news. i woke up to it. pumped for the game. will be watching from the office! i wish espn would give you ladies a decent webpage with a live chatroom or something on which we can yenz about.
also would like to add that the brohio shirt he wore was priceless
Actually, it will probably set you back $30 in the Official Team Shop.
😉
It’s great that we have so many core players signed for the next few years. Just wonder what’s going through Masterson’s mind when he sees all these guys (Kipnis; Brantley; Gomes & even Giambi) getting new contracts. Doesn’t make sense when here’s a guy that WANTS to stay in Cleveland & management is making very little effort (in my eyes) to keep him here.