2:36 PM ET
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Buster OlneyESPN Senior Writer
The
Cleveland Indians will listen to trade offers for some of their veteran players this winter as they face the sort of difficult choices that small-market teams must address, according to sources.
The Indians will hold on to shortstop
Francisco Lindor and MVP candidate
Jose Ramirez next season, but they have indicated to the industry that they are prepared to discuss other accomplished players, including 2017 Cy Young Award winner
Corey Kluber, pitcher
Carlos Carrasco, catchers
Yan Gomes and
Roberto Perez, slugger
Edwin Encarnacion and second baseman
Jason Kipnis, among others.
The Indians did not tender qualifying offers to free agents
Michael Brantley,
Andrew Miller and
Cody Allen because of their payroll concerns. The Indians ranked among the top half of teams in payroll last season and ran away with the AL Central, but their attendance dipped again and was among the worst in MLB. With Lindor, Ramirez and others due for raises, the Indians will be willing to move some salary in the right deals.
Kipnis is due to make $14.7 million next season, and Encarnacion is on the books for $21.67 million.
Kluber will make $17 million in 2019, and the Indians hold a club option on his deal for 2020 and 2021. Carrasco will make $7.1 million in 2019, and Cleveland has club options for 2020 and 2021 on his contract, as well.
With free agents like
Nathan Eovaldi and
Patrick Corbin expected to command pricey multi-year deals, Kluber and Carrasco could be attractive alternatives in the market because of their past success and because their contracts bear little risk.