The Cleveland Indians and right-handed reliever Nick Wittgren agreed to a one-year contract for the 2021 season to avoid arbitration, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The contract is worth $2 million, sources confirmed to ESPN. The news was first reported by The Athletic.
Wittgren was 2-0 with a 3.42 ERA in 23 2/3 innings last season. He was slated to make $1,125,000 in 2020, but he earned a prorated salary of $416,667 for the pandemic-shortened season.
He is 7-1 with a 2.99 ERA in 80 games over two seasons for Cleveland, which acquired him in a trade with Miami in 2019.
The Indians have primarily used Wittgren in a setup role, and that likely will continue despite the club deciding not to re-sign closer Brad Hand. Francona, though, has hinted about using others in save situations and Wittgren could be in that mix.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.