Cy Young Award Doesn’t Always Equal Big Money as Indians’ Corey Kluber Inks 1-Year Deal

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Corey Kluber's big season hasn't been followed by a big contract. Not yet.

The American League Cy Young Award winner signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Indians, who might still sign the steady right-hander to a long-term extension.
Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber signed a one-year contract with the Indians.

Financial terms of Kluber's one-year deal were not immediately available Wednesday. Last year, Kluber made $514,000, and it's a safe bet that the Indians bumped up his salary nicely. Kluber was the last Cleveland player not eligible for salary arbitration to agree to terms with the club.

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The deadline for clubs to renew contracts was Wednesday.

Kluber vaulted from the middle of Cleveland's rotation to become the league's top pitcher last season, going 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts.

The Indians have expressed interest in signing Kluber, who will turn 29 on April 10, to an extension and have had preliminary talks with his representatives. The team has Kluber under contractual control through 2018.

Kluber was acquired in a three-team trade from San Diego in 2010. He's 31-19 since joining Cleveland.

Last season, Kluber joined Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson as the only pitchers since 1987 to record at least 18 wins, an ERA under 2.50 and 260 strikeouts.

Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press