So just what is Allen worth and what is he going to command on the open market? Two deals that just took place this offseason for closers might give a better indication as to what to expect come the offseason.
The first deal is the one that Colorado gave to closer Wade Davis, who saved 32 games for the Cubs in 2017. He earned a deal worth $52 million over just three years, earning a wild $17.3 million per season average wise.
Davis has saved 25 games for the Rockies this season, but has four blown saves, and an ERA over four.
Another contract for a closer just signed this offseason is that of Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez, who inked a deal till 2023 worth $22 million over four seasons, an average of $5.6 million a season. He’s saved 17 games for the Pirates in 2018.
It’s fairly obvious that the Indians are not going to be able to afford a deal such as Davis, paying a closer $17 million per season, but the number Allen is being paid now which is $10.5 million is a little more realistic in terms of the Indians chances of keeping him with the franchise should he be willing to accept a deal such as that.
There’s always the chance that the team looks around this month and tries to make a deal for a pitcher who could close games and also bridge the gap in the later innings and then takes over should Allen leave next season.
Jensen Lewis, who once closed for the Indians and now does the pre and post game on Fox Sports Ohio, said today he’d love to see a deal where the team brought in a pitcher like Texas closer Keone Kela, who has multiple years left on the contract (through 2022).
It would be a bold move but would be something that the Indians might consider as they would then have an insurance policy in place should both Allen and Miller find greener pastures next season.
All in all, the way that Allen is pitching and the way that baseball economics work, it’s going to be a serious challenge having him wearing an Indians uniform next season, something the team is surely thinking about already.
Recent Comments