Cleveland Indians: 5 Untouchable Players This Offseason

2 of 6

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Corey Kluber – SP

As if it were any question before the postseason, the 2016 playoffs assured Corey Kluber’s status as the Indians’ ace for many years to come.

Having established himself as one of baseball’s best starting pitchers in 2014 with a Cy Young Award, Kluber never experienced a drop-off. His record suffered in 2015 due to poor run support, but his ERA remained low.

2016 saw the return of the Cy Young-type numbers. Posting an 18-9 record with a 3.14 ERA, Kluber finished third in the Cy Young Race behind winner Rick Porcello and runner-up Justin Verlander.

Kluber is under control through the 2021 season, and his contract will peak during the 2021 season at $14 million. Kluber’s contract is extremely team-friendly and only adds to his “untouchable” status.

With the time left on his contract and him only being 30 years old, his value is at an all-time high and would be tough for any team to match. However, do not expect the Indians to even entertain the idea of dealing Kluber.

Home/Cleveland Guardians News