Cleveland Indians free agents: Predictions for qualifying offers

The Cleveland Indians have some players set to be free agent this season and there’s a question as to whether the tribe should make qualifying offers.

Will the Cleveland Indians offer any of their players a qualifying offer, which is around $16 million this season?

Let’s look at who’s eligible and weigh the pros and cons of whether these players should receive a qualifying offer.

If a player rejects a qualifying offer, the Indians receive draft pick compensation if the player signs with another club.

Michael Brantley:

Why he should get it: Michael Brantley is coming off a season in which he just hit .306 and was an All-Star. He appears healthy for the first time in two years and the Indians aren’t the only two teams who need corner outfielders.

There’s already talk of Brantley going to the National League.

Why he shouldn’t get it: There is no good reason for this. Brantley made $12 million last season and was considered a steal in the world of outrageous baseball contracts. You’d easily pay him $4 million more to hit .300 and make the All-Star team.

What will happen: The Tribe will almost certainly make him a qualifying offer because Brantley will probably decline it. At the age of 31, this is probably the last chance Brantley will have to sign a multi-year pact. He’s going to want to cash in one more time.

Andrew Miller

Why he should get it: At the onset of the season, there was talk of Andrew Miller getting $20 million per season to pitch out of the bullpen! Crazy money, but great if you can get it.

Miller’s been waiting for free agency and because the market is so reliever friendly right now, I think he’d decline because he’s looking for a multi-year deal.

Some team’s going to give him something and the Indians will happily collect a draft pick just for making him the offer.

Why he shouldn’t get it: Miller’s coming a season in which he was put on the disabled list three times. Injuries have really been a problem for the lefty the past two years. Sure, we all remember 2016, but that was two full years ago.

The Indians can’t afford to lock up $16 million on a bullpen arm who is on the DL.

What will happen: The decision on Miller is the toughest call the Indians have to make, but ultimately they’ll correctly roll the dice on the market taking shape on Miller, thus receiving draft-pick compensation when he signs elsewhere.

Cody Allen

Why he should get it: Cody Allen‘s the Indians’ all-time leader in saves and the Indians need bullpen help. Unfortunately, that’s all there really is to say.

Why he shouldn’t get it: Allen didn’t need a trip to the DL, unfortunately, he had his worst season in an Indians uniform.

Allen made around $10.075 million last season and there’s no telling how he’ll perform next season. An offer of $16 million might sound pretty good if your unsure of how your going to be able to perform in the upcoming season.

What the Indians will do: Don’t look for the Indians to make Allen a qualifying offer. They may take their gamble on Miller, but they won’t do it with two relievers, especially with Allen, who may be more likely to take the offer.

And the Indians were prepared for either Miller, Allen or both to leave. That’s ultimately why they made the deal with the Padres for Brad Hand and Adam Cimber.