Cleveland Indians Spring Training: Top Story Lines

Aug 11, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) delivers in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

#5. What is the end game in the Justin Masterson saga?

As we have talked about in painstaking detail, Justin Masterson is headed for free agency after the 2014 season. There were reports that both sides were trying to work out a long-term extension, but those talks eventually broke down. Now both sides are simply trying to avoid arbitration and work out a one year deal. Of course, it didn’t help that both sides were nowhere near close in their filed salaries for arbitration. Masterson requested $11.8-million while the Indians filed at $8.05-million. It was the largest gap between player in team in all of baseball. How will this end? Do the Indians and Masterson work out an extension? Do the Indians play out the season and take their chances with free agency? Do they make the bold move and trade Masterson at the deadline? There are a lot of possible outcomes in play here and not many of them end with Masterson on the Indians beyond 2014.