Not that there was any doubt, but the Cleveland Indians affirmed Friday that Terry Francona is the man they want leading their club for the foreseeable future.
The team picked up Francona's options for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, maxing out an extension he signed two years ago. Cleveland also announced it has picked up designated hitter Carlos Santana's $12 million option for 2017, keeping him off the free-agent market as expected.
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The Indians hadn't posted a winning record in the five seasons before Francona came aboard prior to the 2013 campaign but haven't been below .500 in his four years at the helm. They lost to the Rays in the AL wild-card game in his first season and this year reached their first World Series since 1997.
Offseason moves around baseball will determine if Cleveland is the AL favorite heading into 2017, but we know the Indians' young core will remain intact. Jason Kipnis, Corey Kluber, Andrew Miller, Carlos Carrasco and Michael Brantley all are under contract (for less than $10 million apiece) next season. The only key players who might walk in free agency are veterans like Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis.
BENDER: Bright days are ahead, Cleveland
Whatever roster tinkering president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti does this offseason, the Indians will feel good moving forward with Francona in charge of the clubhouse.
