Cleveland Indians general manager Chris Antonetti told reporters on Thursday that he expects outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to remain on the Indians' roster for next season, but he did admit that management will be "open-minded" as well. The Cleveland Indians edged the Minnesota Twins by two games to avoid the worst record in the American League for 2012, but that's not a very comforting thought for Indians fans or management.
For a team that has some rebuilding to do, Choo may be the perfect trade piece they can use to grab some younger prospects -- he is second-year arbitration eligible in 2013 and can reach free agency as early as 2014. However, Antonetti is playing it close to the vest heading into the off-season:
Antonetti said, as of right now, he anticipates having Shin-Soo Choo back with the Indians for 2013.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) October 4, 2012
Antonetti says he anticipates Choo (among other rumored players) still being with #Indians next season. But they remain "open-minded."
— T.J. Zuppe (@TJZuppe) October 4, 2012
Choo turned 30 years old in July and he is represented by Scott Boras. He produced a .283/.373/.441 batting line over 155 games and 686 plate appearances in 2012.