Jason Kipnis hopes to complete a multi-year contract extension with the Cleveland Indians before spring training ends.
While he isn't pushing things yet, Kipnis and his handlers began talking with Indians execs last year. The team has four players headed toward arbitration hearings, the Plain Dealer of Cleveland reports. Kipnis, the Tribe's second baseman, is a year from hitting that status.
Talks have not begun, Kipnis said during the weekend's Tribe Fest event.
"My guess is if we started it would probably start in spring training when everyone reports," he said. "I think they have their hands full with arbitration cases right now."
The 2014 season opener is viewed as a soft deadline for talks. At least there is a foundation from last year's discussions.
"Both sides were trying to get something done," Kipnis said. "We just didn't come to the middle point yet. We didn't agree on years or numbers yet. Both of us are still trying and looking for the right number."
The Indians' push for a postseason berth got them to the wild-card playoff game. Kipnis was a big part of their success, having the best season by a Tribe second baseman since Joe Gordon in 1948. He hit .284 with 17 homers, 84 RBI, 86 runs and 30 steals.
Team officials will focus on arbitration cases for the time being. They will make cases for contracts with Justin Masterson, Michael Brantley, Vinnie Pestano and Josh Tomlin.