Indians begin making deals to avoid arbitration

The deadline for clubs to either sign arbitration-eligible players to a one-year deal or go to salary arbitration court is later today, and predictably, the Cleveland Indians are already locking up players. Early in the afternoon they signed Trevor Bauer to a one-year deal worth $3.55, and later in the night they inked Dan Otero to a one-year, $1.055 million deal.

Indians news and notes

Encarnacion in for annual Tribe Fest | MLB
As if you needed another reason to attend Tribe fest to see the American League Champion Cleveland Indians, the newly-signed Edwin Encarnacion has confirmed his appearance at the annual event. Joining Edwin will be several members of the current Indians team, as well as former Indians players Ellis Burks, Mike Hargrove, Mike Jackson, Chad Ogea, and Jaret Wright.

Are the Indians already done this off-season? | Burning River Baseball
You probably already know the answer to this question, given that the Indians will go into 2017 with the largest payroll in team history. But this post from Burning River Baseball’s Joseph Coblitz is worth a read anyway.

Twins Sign Chris Gimenez To Minor League Deal | MLB Trade Rumors
If Robbie Grossman is to be used as a measuring stick for former Indians roleplayers being signed by the Twins, you should draft Gimenez early in your fantasy leagues next season.

Around the league

• The San Diego Chargers are run by awful people and everyone is making fun of their awful decisions, including minor-league baseball teams.
• The Tampa Bay Rays have a lot of outfield depth. Must be nice.