Michael Brantley, Cody Allen and Andrew Miller are officially now free agents. The Cleveland Indians did not extend qualifying offers to the three veterans by the Friday deadline.
Allen and Miller had their struggles in the back end of the Indians bullpen. Brantley had a bounce back season in 2018. In addition, Brantley was the only healthy outfielder for manager Terry Francona last season.
Each player would have been offered $17.9 million is qualifying offers were made by the Indians.
Qualifying offers would result in draft pick compensation if any of players agreed to sign with another team. Cleveland will not receive any compensation due to the decision to not extend qualifying offers.
It’s clear the price is too high for the Indians to pay at this point in the off season. Friday’s decision does not mean the Indians can not bring any or all of the guys back for the 2019 season. The moves are strictly a business and financial decision.
Brantley, Allen and Miller are three of 12 Indians free agents. Branley hit .309 with 17 home runs and 76 runs batted in. He appeared in 143 games this past season.
Despite becoming the Indians all-time leader in saves, Allen had a disappointing 2018 season. Allen went 4-6 with a 4.70 earned run average and 27 saves. He struck out 80 and waled 33.
Miller only appeared in 37 games in 2018 due to multiple injuries. Miller went 2-4 with a 4.24 earned run average and two saves. He struck out 45 and walked 16.
The Indians would like to re-sign Brantley due to the lack of depth in the outfield at the Major League level. Allen and Miller could return in 2019 for the right price.
It is going to be a very interesting off season for the reigning American League Central Division Champions.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
