Clevelinks: Cleveland Indians’ Zach Walters to Miss 5 Months; Cody Allen Open to Extension

The Cleveland Indians’ closer is open to a long-term deal

The Cleveland Indians announced yesterday that Zach Walters would miss five months after undergoing a shoulder surgery. Friday’s operation came as a result of a torn labrum from a dive into home plate during the third game of the International League finals. In that game, he hit for the cycle in four plate appearances.

This season has been one to forget for the 26-year-old. The switch-hitter, whom the Cleveland Indians acquired for Asdrubal Cabrera, hit just four singles in 30 plate appearances with the Tribe this season, and his more extensive minor league season was not much better. He hit a characteristically low 10 home runs in 379 plate appearances and posted a weight runs created of just 106 – barely better than league average.

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In other news, Cody Allen said that he is open to a long-term deal with the Tribe. The closer is eligible for arbitration for the first time this year, and he said that we would hope to avoid the process with a long-term contract.   He went on to say that “the city of Cleveland has treated [him] very well”, and that he would love to play there for a long time.

Allen has been one of the best relievers in baseball this year, and his fWAR of 2.5 leads all qualified relievers. He also rates well in strikeout rate, 5^th, and FIP-, 1^st. How this will affect his price tag will be quite interesting, as his ERA and early career saves are quite low. Craig Kimbrel’s four-year $42 million contract, which was signed before last season, could serve as the ceiling for Allen’s earnings. His value on the open market probably sits around ten million dollars a year, and a four-year $30 million deal might just get the job done.

More from around the AL Central:

Kansas City Royals Rotation Rebounds Just in Time– Kings of Kauffman

Good-by and Good Riddance to Alfredo Simon – Motor City Bengals

Record Highlight Dismal Chicago White Sox Season – Southside Showdown

Next: Season Review: Gavin Floyd