The three-time All-Star has been placed on waivers.
Coming into this offseason there is one thing that everyone knew that the Cleveland Baseball Club was going to do, cut salary. They are beginning that process by placing closer Brad Hand on waivers per Zack Meisel.
As Meisel notes, Cleveland does not intend to pick up his club option if he is not claimed by another team. If not, Cleveland is responsible for the buyout in his contract. It is safe to say they are really hoping that he is indeed claimed by another team. The fact that Cleveland did not pick up Hand’s option and trade him afterward like they did with Corey Kluber speaks volumes about what their financial situation could be moving forward.
In addition to their financial situation as a reason not to pick up the option on Brad Hand, Cleveland has two young relievers they can turn to in James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase. Karinchak and Clase are both under team control and are not arbitration eligible until 2023. Opting for the less expensive duo who they believe can handle the duties of Hand is a no-brainer. Not having a pitcher designated as the closer and being flexible with other arms in the bullpen is just how teams like Cleveland have to do things.
