Cleveland Indians: Dan Otero back to provide some bullpen depth

The Cleveland Indians signed Dan Otero to a new contract, keeping him in town beyond 2018 when the bullpen may lose some key pieces.

With Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith both on the market this year, and Cody Allen and Andrew Miller set to hit free agency next year, the Cleveland Indians have a lot of question marks when it comes to the bullpen.

Dan Otero’s status is one that is now secure, at least for a few more years, as he signed a contract extension to remain with the team through at least 2019.

Otero was given a one-year deal last week to avoid heading to arbitration, but this new deal keeps him here for at least two more seasons, with a club option for 2020. Jordan Bastian broke down the details:

"The signing comes after the Indians avoided arbitration with Otero on Friday with a one-year deal for the 2018 campaign. With the extension now included, Otero is scheduled to earn $1.1 million in 2018 and $1.3 million in ’19, with a $1.5 million option (or $100,000 buyout) for ’20. The deal also includes $100,000 available in performance bonuses for games finished in each of the three years."

Otero is an interesting case because while he has been successful with the Indians, the main focus has been on the trio of Shaw, Miller and Allen. But Otero was always on the outside as that fourth guy, especially during the 2016 campaign, when Miller didn’t join the team until the end of July.

He appeared in six postseason games in 2016, but was unable to make an appearance this past postseason, although that’s a different case as the team only played five games.

He did not record a loss in 2017, which is why his name isn’t brought up often. He does his job quietly and efficiently, compared to Shaw who was great, but had his collapses that gave some fans a few painful experiences.

With Shaw and Smith now both potentially leaving, Otero could make himself part of a new trio featuring Miller and Allen. And beyond 2018, well, I don’t even want to think about that yet. One season at a time.

Next: Indians officially out of Ohtani sweepstakes

The good news is that the Indians got Otero on a team-friendly deal, and now don’t have to go through the arbitration process with him. The next time a decision has to be made, Otero will be ready for free agency.