GOODYEAR, Ariz. — (AP) Shane Bieber would like to talk about a new contract with the Indians, but they aren't in the same kind of rush as the Cy Young Award winner.
After reporting to training camp, Bieber said he would be open to discussing a long-term deal with the club and hoped they did, too. The Tribe has signed top players to extensions in the past and it's possible they'll discuss one with the 25-year-old right-hander.
"It’s absolutely something I’d be open to," Bieber said on a video call from camp in Goodyear, Arizona, earlier this week. "In terms of conversations, it really hasn’t happened yet, so that’s something I’d love to dive into and hopefully that will be reciprocated as well."
Team president Chris Antonetti said Wednesday the team will have more financial flexibility after some guaranteed contracts expire this season. Cleveland's current projected payroll for 2021 is about $46.5 million, one of the lowest figures in baseball. Still one year short of arbitration, Bieber is scheduled to make less than $600,000.
"We've found it most constructive not to talk about individual circumstances with particular players," Antonetti told the Associated Press. "Setting that aside, obviously, Shane represents all the things we would want our players to be, both on the field, the teammate he is, the way he prepares, the way he competes.
"We are hopeful that Shane will be here for a really long time to come."
Although the Indians have been able to agree to extensions with players like Corey Kluber and Jose Ramirez in the past, they were not able to do so with Francisco Lindor, leading to his trade to the New York Mets this past offseason. The loss of the star shortstop has hung over the club ever since, and many fear ownership does not have the financial resources to retain top players.
Bieber led the majors in wins (8), ERA (1.63) and strikeouts (122) in 2020. He was delayed in reporting to camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but is now healthy and has resumed his normal workouts.