Indians rumors: Jason Kipnis extension talks put on hold

The Cleveland Indians were discussing a multi-year contract extension with second baseman Jason Kipnis over the offseason. However, talks between Kipnis and the Tribe have been put on hold with the start of the regular season, according to Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer.

Before this weekend's series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Kipnis told reporters that negotiations stopped "once the regular season started." The second baseman's goal was to avoid "distraction during the season." The Indians "felt the same way," according to Kipnis.

Kazmir to DL

The Tribe has placed the southpaw on the DL with a strained rib cage.

While contract talks have come to a halt, Kipnis said that he would "of course" like to pickup negotiations once the 2013 season comes to an end. The 26-year-old is earning $509,400 this season and isn't likely to be arbitration eligible until after the 2014 season. He's just starting the second full season in the bigs.

In his first full campaign with the Tribe, Kipnis hit .257/.335/.379 with 22 doubles, four triples and 14 home runs over 672 plate appearances. He owns a career batting line of .256/.329/.398 over parts of three seasons in the majors.

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