11:16am: Joyce’s contract comes with a $1.25MM base salary if he makes the roster, and he can earn an additional $500K based on his number of plate appearances, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter link).
8:10am: It’s a minor league pact for Joyce, Joe Noga of Cleveland.com reports. He’ll be in Major League camp with the Indians this spring and look to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
7:35am: Free-agent outfielder Matt Joyce announced this morning, via Twitter, that he’s agreed to sign with the Indians. Terms of the deal for the ACES client are not yet known.
The 34-year-old Joyce will join Cleveland in search of a rebound campaign after struggling through a down season with the A’s in 2018. Last year, in the second season of a two-year deal worth $10MM, Joyce hit just .208/.322/.353 with seven home runs and nine doubles in 246 plate appearances across 83 games. Back troubles hampered him along the way, as he spent nearly two months of the summer on the disabled list due to a lumbar strain.
That said, Joyce is just a year removed from turning in a .243/.335/.473 slash with a career-best 25 homers in 541 plate appearances with Oakland. That type of production would be a welcome sight for an Indians organization whose current outfield mix is expected to feature Greg Allen, Leonys Martin, Tyler Naquin, Jordan Luplow and, if healthy, Bradley Zimmer. Joyce doesn’t exactly bring stability to that uncertain mix, given questions about his own production following last year’s rough results, but if he’s healthy there’s a good chance he’ll be among the club’s more productive options.
Joyce, after all, turned in decidedly above-average offensive output in seven of the eight seasons leading up to 2018 and is a career .250/.351/.451 hitter against right-handed pitching. He’s best deployed in a platoon capacity (.184/.267/.306 career slash against lefties), making him a potentially nice pairing with the right-handed-hitting Luplow.
On the defensive side of the coin, Joyce is limited to the outfield corners, although he did log 16 innings in center for the A’s in a pinch across the past two seasons. He’s generally received average or better marks for his range in both left field and right field, and he has more than 2900 innings of big league experience at both positions.
The market is this slow and they aren’t trying to land any valuable outfielders or relievers because… I don’t know.
Cleveland has a tight budget
As a Tigers fan, I don’t understand why Cleveland isn’t going all in right now. They have a small window to dominate the Central and to make WS they wont have to play NY BOS and HOS, just two of the 3 and have home field against one of them. Now is the time.
Yes the tigers went all in, didn’t win it, and now stuck in a rebuild but at least they tried. Indians will go to rebuild without even putting up a fight.
I’ve got to agree with the Tigers fan here
No one saw the 2016 Indians almost winning the WS before that season began. Players simultaneously peaked and emerged to make a good mix. The Indians just need to win their very weak division.
The post season has almost become a new season where eligible teams have different rosters than they had opening day.
The Tigers “window shopped” their team but stuck with a near senile Manager and lost tons of money… Poor model.
How many WS titles did the Tigers get by going all in?
Lol Indians will go into a rebuild without putting up a fight lol? Good lord they made the WS and were a top contender with a budget way less than what the tigers had.
The same amount as Cleveland by sitting on their asses.
You didn’t get my point Pavel.
I completely agree. The Tigers added to a good team and took risks to try and win. It failed but they tried.
I feel like there is a disconnect between the front office and the fans in Cleveland. Fans want to win a championship and want to see the team go for it while they have a window. The team claims they want to win but I think they have become to focused on “extending the window” instead. They don’t want to end up in a full rebuild once Lindor is gone in 3 years. They already blame attendance for the problems they have and believe a rebuild would make it worse but you have to spend money to make money. They never resign guys once they hit free agency and never go after guys that would be big improvements. As a fan that has watched them come so close so many times I would rather see them go big the next 3 years and hopefully win and then rebuild if needed.
The real disconnect is between the fans and the actual paing customers. There is a humongous difference between the two. If the so-called fans become paying customers and then come out to the ball park the payroll will increase.
This is the year all that will change, because fortunately, the ‘so-called fans’ don’t have to eat this summer.
I’d love to, but I live in SoKal.
Clearly you haven’t been a fan of the Tribe for long, because if you were, you might not be as obsessed with “one championship” as you would consistent competitiveness. I am completely fine with the latter, because I’d rather have a shot at many vs. going “all in” in a quixotic effort to get one (as if going all in guaranteed anybody anything except overspending and a long rebuilding process for a market like ours). Had you lived during the nearly 30 years the Indians were consistently woeful, you wouldn’t so blithely talk about going all in in exchange for a rebuild. No one wants a championship more than I do–I never got a chance to share one with my Dad–but I’m much more appreciative I have a team to root for at all, as most of that 30 year drought there was serious talk of moving the team. And now that the franchise has permanently settled into one of the poorest draws in the sport (pretty much regardless of how we do) it’s folly to think the best model for this team is to “go all in” in the hope of having one spectacular season, then collapse into a state our fellow division mates are in. They can afford to do this; they more or less draw the same or better than us no matter what they do. Cleveland won’t have anything to do with a consistently lousy team, and if you were realistic, you’d know that. The answer is to be try and be consistently viable, and to do that you can’t blow it all on a year or two, you have to run your business more smartly than that, and I’d hope fans would understand to have baseball in Cleveland that’s what we have to do. And I believe that approach actually gives us a better chance to win it all once (and multiple times) than shoving all the chips in the middle of the table in the false hope you can guarantee a title. Who thought we were going to win it all in 2007? Had we closed out the Sox, we probably would have. Who thought we were going to win in 1997? That was a mediocre regular season team. Who thought we’d come within one win of a championship in 2016? Things just happen. Playing for “windows” is foolhardy. You never, ever know when a window will open or close. In Cleveland, you just operate your team responsibly, with one eye on the present and one on the future, and hope for the best.
Avory I am a lifelong Pirates fan and we share the same general thoughts about how our teams have been run.
Fates have been kind to the Indians however in that your division is still the weakest in baseball,and you still have the best team.
Now is the time to go for it because at least one of the other four teams will be coming on soon.
Your outfield needs improvement and I hope for the championship starving deserving Cleveland fans that your management team,like the Pirates’,makes some waves in the next week to add solid ML veterans.
Exactly. If they made a big signing then they’d have to shed payroll and trade Kluber.
They signed Melky to a similar pact last year and that went really really well.
I’m on a LOW budget,
‘What did you say?’
I’m on a LOW budget,
‘I thought you said that!’
Art takes time
Time is money.
Money’s scarce,
And that ain’t funny!
— The Kinks
Ah, another brilliant verse by the wondrous Ray Davies. Not that he was talking about the Cleveland Indians mind you, seeing as how the Tribe has had record payrolls the last two years. We have got to start realizing what kind of market we’re in and adjust expectations accordingly. If you don’t like it, root for another sport like football where every team has a chance to win, but the Patriots win every year. Or basketball, where every team has a chance to win every year, but the Warriors win every year. Right?
You’re so right, and BTW, I do like it … no better sport than bsbl. (IMO)
Just making light of an inconvenient truth.
Tribe is my 2nd team of choice.
Don’t know if it’s the Veeck connection, Chief Wahoo logo, or basic respect. Perhaps all 3. But I near-about jumped thru the ceiling when Rajai Davis homered in game 7.
Maximum respect for the Ray Davies comment. He been doin’ it since before there was The Beatles.
Hope you’re Blazing on a Sunny Afternoon!
Nah, gotta work today, which makes me think of another poignant Davies lyric:
“Cause that union man’s got such a hold over me
He’s the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat
Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine
Then he walks right past and I know that I’ve got to get back in the line.”
Which further reminds of how my weary Dad couldn’t wait for the sunny Sunday afternoons when he could take his sons to doubleheaders down by the cavernous lakefront stadium with the great bat-wielding Chief Wahoo looming over us fans streaming in for games that left us with great memories…
“Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I’m thinking of the days,
I won’t forget a single day, believe me.”
Would not be surprised if it’s a minor league deal. Last season was atrocious.
I’d be upset if they wasted a 40 man spot on him
I changed channels every time he went up to bat
Completely meaningless and the outfield remains a 4 alarm dumpster fire.
Hey…..it’s not over yet. Carlos Lopez is still available.
That’s why they should of signed Astrubal Cabrera, put him at 3B, and moved Kip to LF. Hopefully they can bring back Melky now.
Wow Wahoo, but ain’t you a bundle of joyous positivity today. If you were a true Indians fan then you’d know that this is how they do it.
And look at the results… zero championships.
So, it’s all or nothing for you, is it? Myself, I love the game and I love my Tribe. Win or lose. Yeah, it’d be nice to see them win it all, but they can’t have payrolls like the Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, etc.
So I just enjoy how they try to win by doing the little things. That brings me enjoyment.
Oh Joy the Outfield still sucks
Oh JoyCE
ReJoyce
I agree. “Your Love” is totally overrated
Would rather them resign Melky Cabrera
Indians made a choice
Chose to go with Joyce
Which made their fanbase NOT rejoice.
You’re welcome.
Would have been better in haiku format. Just sayin.
I liked it. I’m a fan of bad poetry.
True. Thanks.
He had some pop
Had being the key word.
Until he injured his back!!! if his back remains healthy this COULD BE a very good signing. i don’t know what all of the hate is all about. People say he was terrible last year. He was injured, THAT has a tendency to negatively affect production.
I was a big fan when he came up in Detroit. Always thought he’d be better than he is. He has a sweet swing. Even if he hits some for the Tribe, he won’t help the defense.
Russell Branyan 2.0
Branyan had world-class power, though.
Let’s calm down with world class
Branyan did have world class power. His problem was not connecting enough with the baseball. But when he did he hit it a ton.
Good landing spot for him and low risk flyer for a team that needs the OF help. I enjoyed watching him play as a Pirate. He’s got skills and he’s always ready to contribute whether or not he’s in the starting lineup.
Face it, the Indians are content with Luplow in left and Naquin in right . Any additions will be of this variety to add a insurance and/or depth if one of them falter in spring training.
I agree with comfy,Joyce played well for the Pirates in 2016 on his $1M contract which got him his two year deal in Oakland.
He may end up being a good platoon player in one of the corner outfield positions.
The Indians,though,seem to have a reluctance to have good outfielders.They seem to think they can outdistance the Twins for another year.The White Sox seem to be serious about competing again within two years.The Indians need to be careful not to squander the few chances that the small market teams get.
Why not Adam Jones? Seems like a perfect match.
look at last year’s numbers, and think less, then ask yourself that question again. Joyce fits better cuz he’s lefty. Coming off an injury, he may rebound.
They could bring Jones in to platoon at a corner spot. Hell at this point, CarGo (either one), Jones, and Joey Bats (despite low average, still had showed some pop and had a good OBP) would be better options.
Because Jones is his chances to join that chase for a pennant and refused. He can stay in Baltimore…
I guess I’ll be hanging out at the ballparks in Akron, Columbus and Lake County this year if I want to see semi-capable outfielders.
Heck, I wish I could go to those ballparks, because I actually prefer watching the minor leagues, but I’m in SoKal.
But what about Eastwood Field? Do you ever visit there?
Have never seen the Scrappers before. That might be a fun road trip sometime this year. Have been watching a lot more Minor League Ball and a lot less MLB ball lately.
Great seats, great food, family friendly, and good quality baseball in the minors (above single-A). At 20% of the cost of an MLB outing, you can’t beat it.
I’m stuck with the Angels High-A team here in San Bernarghetto. If I feel like driving a bit down the freeway I can watch the Dodgers team, but these freeways seriously suck.
Any tribe fans think a Calhoun+cash for Zimmer deal would be of interest? I’m assuming that CLE still likes the upside of Zim but his struggles (both health and performance) definitely dropped his stock. Same can be said for Kole I suppose though he is generally healthy and is still a damn good defender in RF. Hes owed $10.5m (+$1m buyout on 2020 option) so Calhoun+$4m for Zimmer make sense?
No.
Didn’t think so
I would rather have the younger struggling player with potential than the older struggling player. Also Zimmer is a very good defender. No interest in Calhoun even with the 4 million added.
Absolutely no.
Definitely not
Zimmer was asked to change his swing last year before getting hurt. That takes time and probably one of the reasons he was so bad and I think once he gets that figured out he will be a decent player.
Platoons aren’t exciting, but you could do a lot worse than combining him and Luplow in an outfield corner. Maybe I’ve just lowered my expectations by now, but at least it’s something.
homophobe
He said something he regretted, he apologized. Move on
Thanks, now I don’t have to look it up. I forgot if he was homophobic, racist, sexist, or if he claimed there were only two genders.
Tribe will make a move at trade deadline and fix what needs fixed like they have been.
So let’s summarize the Tribe offseason plan. I’m just talking 40-man roster moves here:
Walked in Free Agency or traded:
Cody Allen (-$10.6M)
Andrew Miller (-$9.0M)
Michael Brantley (-$11.5M)
Lonnie Chisenhall (-$5.6M)
Brandon Guyer (-$2.8M)
Yonder Alonso (-$8.0M)
Yan Gomes (-$7.1M)
Rajai Davis (-$1.8M)
Edwin Encarnacion (-$21.6M)
So, subtract $78 million in payroll.
To replace it, bring in:
Carlos Santana (+$20.1, less $2M being paid by Seattle)
Kevin Plawecki (+$1.1M)
Nick Wittgren (pre arb)
Jordan Luplow (pre arb)
Max Moroff (pre arb)
Jefry Rodriguez (pre arb)
So, add approx. $21.3M. Net, net, $57M of salary shaved off of the books. Then, account for arbitration raises for Bauer and Lindor, which soaks back up $16M.
So the Tribe’s the big moves cut over $40M of payroll and left them with no bullpen, no catcher, no outfield.
This team (which is right in the middle of a contention window) is an embarrassment. I hope fans stay away in droves.
The bullpen is certainly filled with a lot of question marks, but I wouldn’t be as worried about catcher or the outfield.. Sure, Perez’ numbers haven’t been good over the last few years, but when given a chance at regular playing time in the playoffs in 2016, he’d put up some nice production. In the least, he’s pretty good defensively.
The outfield is full of a lot of unknowns, but both Luplow and Naquin have shown well in the minors. It may not translate into success in the majors, but they should have the chance to prove themselves with consistent playing time.
These moves are pathetic. Unless they think they just can’t compete with the Yankees and Red Sox of the world and are throwing in the towel but I don’t understand with that roster and pitching staff with a window closing why not gamble the farm. The AL central is there to be taken and with a few blockbuster moves they could take it and once we get to October baseball anything can happen. What a pathetic division!
The Central can be taken w/o any blockbuster moves neccessary.. If there is a race, it will be Cleveland and Minnesota..
@ stymeedone;
There will not be a race…….
The Indians started cruising the first of May in 2018. Experimenting with young players and giving veterans extra days off. They pretty much marked time awaiting the post-season. They still beat the Twins by 15 games.
I’m believe that they’re holding money back, and will pick up a big corner OF or 3B bat from a non-contender in July.
Seems you forgot to add in some other arb raises.
Your math is flawed. The Indians rand a record payroll of 134m last year. This year as of now they’re tracking for $115 (according to Cots). They cut about $20mm from their payroll, not $40m. And why is obvious – they were paying for those high payrolls out of the BAMtech sale one time money and the extra revenue they got in the 2016 playoff run. Those revenues no longer exist in the subsequent 2 years. Hence, payroll cuts.
Fewer PEDs show how older veterans decline quicker. By 34 year old the level of interest in older veterans so much less.
Doing some more showing at the scratch and dent section. Nothing like having a playoff team and taking a hand full of half-@$$ed OFs and throwing them at the wall to see what sticks.
Outside of Ramirez and lindor that Indians offense is pretty bad and Joyce doesn’t help. Fortunately their whole division is in rebuild mode
Yet the Tribe seems to always be near the top in runs scored. Weird, ain’t it?
not really. not when you consider the dismal pitching from those rebuilding teams in their division. It would be surprising if they werent.
I get tired of hearing this same old line. Wish people would give it a rest.
You know, they play teams from other divisions, too.
You can’t deny that playing half of your games against 4 of the worst pitching staffs in mlb helps their offensive numbers. Not the Indians fault of course
cant find the source but the Indians finished well above .500 against AL central teams and under .500 I believe against all other teams.
Win some, lose some.
mlb.com/standings/advanced-splits
Losing record against the East (16-18) and the West (14-18) but a winning record in Interleague (12-8)
Most tellingly – Of the ten teams in the East & West ONLY the truly terrible Orioles had a losing record against the Central
Lol we’re talking about subtracting Brantley, Encarnacion, Chisenhall and pretty much only replacing them with Santana.
I like Chisenhall but he’s barely played the past few seasons so counting him as a notable subtraction is just trying to falsely add to the narrative
I like Joyce but what are the Indians doing with this signing? They already have depth at the OF position and these guess make up some of the best 4th OF options out there. Their financial constraint is a joke. Bryce is out there to be had and with that signing they would no doubt be winners of the AL central
@ Brizzo123;
I don’t understand you and others jumping to conclusions.
This is the point in the year when teams invite long-shot veterans to Spring Training. Look at all the MLBTR stories.
They “signed” him to a contract contingent on him making the roster. They didn’t give him a guaranteed multi-year contract. If he doesn’t make the roster the contract is complete with no payout.
And yet the Twins won’t add a starter or closer to try and push past the Indians.
It’s almost like none of these teams want to play past September!
You may be on to something there.
Again, it’s what the roster looks like on August 1, not April 1. If the 40M saved is right (looks like it is), that gives them enormous flexibility at the deadline.
B then, they’ll be able to assert exactly how much better they are than the rest of the Central. No one doubts they’re better; it’s just a matter of quantity. And by that time, most in the AL will be waving the white flag, and looking to dump contracts.
If Indians fans are upset, it should be that in their cost cutting, they haven’t gotten much back. I can see the sense of trying to set up the future when you’re a lock to win the division, but their system was “meh” back in October, and today it’s still “meh”.
Should have signed Grandy instead
FINALLY. Now the small fish like Machado can sign.
Thank goodness this guys gone