Indians Ink SS Francisco Lindor to One-Year Deal, Avoid Arbitration

The Indians have one of their best players under contract for 2019, as today the team announced they have avoid arbitration with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, inking him to a deal.

While the deal was not disclosed by the Indians in terms of money, The Athletic’s TJ Zuppe states (via fellow Athletic writer Zack Meisel) that the deal is one-year at $10.55 million.

Indians avoid arbitration with Francisco Lindor ($10.55 million source tells @ZackMeisel) but couldn't reach a deal with Trevor Bauer prior to deadline. Team also confirms that they've claimed pitcher AJ Cole from Yankees.

— T.J. Zuppe (@TJZuppe) January 11, 2019

While the deal is close to $11 million, the bigger question is if the Indians are ever going to be able to get Lindor’s name on the dotted line for an extended contract, one that could cost them into the hundreds of millions.

The Indians have this year and two more with Lindor before he can become a free agent, and his yearly salary will only up as the superstar continues to become one of the faces of baseball.

Last season Lindor hit .277 with 38 homers and 92 runs batted in.