Indians MiLB News: Chen Inks Minor League Deal

Talk about a journey man pitcher! Bruce Chen, who will turn 38 by midseason, signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians. The versatile lefty will look to make the Opening Day roster with an invite to spring training. The New York Times reports that should Chen make the squad, he will earn a one year, $1-million deal. If he sticks as a starter he could earn $1-million in bonuses, however, if he hits the bullpen, he is eligible for $300,000 in bonuses.

Chen was signed as an amateur free agent in 1993 by the Atlanta Braves out of Panama. He made his big league debut in September of 1998. He has spent the 16 years since as an invaluable member in the starting rotation and bullpen for 10 teams. He is hoping the Indians will be his eleventh.

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The wily lefty has become a smarter pitcher with age. In fact you can argue that Chen’s best years came with the Royals in his age-33 through age-36 seasons. He went 44-33 over that span over 97 starts with a 4.07 ERA. Chen isn’t going to over power anyone anymore, but what he can do is provide a team with innings and veteran experience.

Chen has matured with the game. He added a splitter to his arsenal to compliment a now-five pitch arsenal. His fastball hasn’t hit the 90s since Britney Spears was atop the pop charts, but it caps out in the high 80s. He also has a changeup that he used pretty frequently along with a sinker and curveball that are both below average. What his pitches do do is induce ground balls, so with a solid fielding defense behind him, he can still be effective. Unfortunately the Indians finished last in team defense last season and, to no coincidence, first in errors committed.

The Indians rotation is by no means set. Reigning Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber is the ace while Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Zach McAllister have shown a lot of promise, but bring with them a lot of inexperience as none of them have thrown a 30-start season in their career. The fifth rotation spot is seemingly up for grabs. Is Gavin Floyd healthy? Are Danny Salazar or Josh Tomlin major league pitchers?

This is a prime opportunity for Chen to step in and provide a swingman for the Indians. Perhaps he can begin the year as the fifth starter and move to the bullpen for insurance as the young arms mature. Coming off his worst season in some time in which he only last seven games with a 7.45 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 1.3 home runs per game allowed and a 3.0 walks per nine rate, Chen will need an impressive spring training to make the squad. But should he impress, Chen has proven that he can add value to a rotation that is learning its way in the big leagues.

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