Indians Sign Kemmerer, Vandenberg -- Double Their Payroll

Before the ink was dry on the deals the Cleveland Indians had gone from a payroll of $29,000,000 to $64,500,000. And they claim they are not done yet.

The Indians won the Michael Kemmerer sweepstakes by signing the former Cy Young Award winner to a $23,650,000 contract for five years. In all, Cleveland has invested nearly $120,000,000 in the hurler. Other clubs interested in Kemmerer included the Mets, Phillies, Marlins, Cubs, Yankees, Twins, and Mariners.

"Obviously, we are very excited to have Michael join with us," beamed Indians owner Joe Thomas. "There were three good starters in free agency this year, but Michael was our choice from the start. He is a dominating pitcher, and he will lead our team to a series of championships."

Michael Kemmerer was originally a first round draft pick of Cleveland's back in 2010 before being traded to Seattle in 2011. In seven years with the Mariners Kemmerer won both a World Series and a Cy Young Award and compiled a 120-62 record with a 3.08 ERA.

Cleveland also managed to reach agreement with 2009 Rookie of Year Kevin Vandenberg. Terms of the deal are reportedly $11.8 million for 3 years. Vandenberg will join 2017 Rookie of the Year Elmer Sweet in the Indians outfield. The Aussie has hit .293 and stolen 434 bases for the Twins and Yankees over his nine year career.