Cleveland Indians and Roberto Perez agree to interesting extension

The Cleveland Indians and Roberto Perez agreed on a contract extension, which is interesting given the current state of the catcher position.

Just one day before the season is set to begin, the Cleveland Indians have agreed on yet another contract extension. The latest keeps Roberto Perez in town through at least 2020, according to Jordan Bastian.

While perhaps surprising, given the fact Perez is the backup and Francisco Mejia seems to be headed for Cleveland sooner that later, this deal is very affordable for the team.

The money is not why this deal is interesting, but rather the fact that the future of the position seems to be in Mejia’s hands. Also, Gomes is under contract through at least 2019. However, it never hurts to have a solid backup, especially if Gomes cannot hold his own on offense.

Even though Mejia is waiting in the wings, the team needs to focus on the present. If the young catcher continues to rise, the team can also look to trade either Gomes or Perez, but that will not be for at least another year or two.

The Indians may also have plans to use Mejia in trades this season, as was done when he nearly was dealt in the vetoed Jonathan Lucroy deal. No one in the farm system is untouchable, and the Indians may have extended Perez with the mindset that Mejia could be someone to trade later in the season.

Yet this may be looking too far ahead, as the Indians want to lock up their talent for the next few years as the team looks to remain a title contender. Perez may not be a major piece of the puzzle, but he is certainly helpful when called upon.

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Fans know that if Gomes is struggling or even gets injured, there is a capable player ready to step in and manage the pitching staff.