Cleveland Indians won't pick up Jason Kipnis' option, open to a return

CLEVELAND — For the first time in his nine-year Major League career, Jason Kipnis will become a free agent.

On Wednesday, Cleveland Indians president Chris Antonetti confirmed that the team won't be picking up the second baseman's $16.5 million contract option for the 2020 season. But while the 32-year-old will now be free to sign a new deal with any team, that doesn't necessarily mean his time with the Indians has come to an end.

"When I talked with Jason yesterday, we left that door open," Antonetti said of the Indians potentially re-signing Kipnis to a more team-friendly contract. "What I confirmed was that we wouldn't be bringing him back at his option value, but we will leave the door open and more than anything expressed a great deal of appreciation for all that he's meant for our team. All of the work he's put in to make himself a really good, successful major league player and helping us win a lot of games in his time here."

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But while the Indians may be leaving the door open for a potential return, the possibility -- if not likelihood -- that Kipnis' time in Cleveland is now over remains.

In the time since his last All-Star appearance in 2015, Kipnis has battled both injuries and a reduction in production. And with the 2-time All-Star set to turn 33 in April, it only makes sense for the Indians to at least weigh both their younger and more cost-effective alternatives.

Nevertheless, Kipnis still put together a strong case for being re-signed in what could be his final year in Cleveland, bouncing back from an early-season slump to hit for a .245 average (.715 OPS), 17 home runs and 65 RBIs in 121 games. But as the Indians made their final failed push toward securing a postseason bid, Kipnis found himself sidelined by a fractured wrist that brought his season -- and possibly his career in Cleveland -- to an end.

"It sucks," Kipnis said. "There's no need to sugarcoat it. It sucks, because it's been that much fun of a trip for me. But I have very few regrets about the last eight years. It's been an absolute joy to play here."