The Indians appear destined to go to arbitration with ace right-hander Justin Masterson. Talks about a long-term deal have not only broken off, but so have discussions on a one-year contract that would avoid arbitration, which is set for Feb. 20, according to SB Network.
Masterson is slated for free agency after the 2014 season. He is asking for $11.8 million while the Tribe has countered at $8.05 million. The difference is the widest among arbitration cases in baseball this offseason.
The 28-year-old Masterson has traded good seasons with bad ones since assuming a starting role with Cleveland in 2010. But he peaked last year with a 14-10 record and 3.45 ERA. He gave up just 156 hits in 193 innings and shattered his career high in strikeouts with 195.