11/11/2016: Omaha, NE – The end of the 2016 campaign was bittersweet. The Cyclones, who seemed to flounder for much of the season, came on strong in August and September, nearly making the post season for the second consecutive season. However, they came up short, finishing the year with a 93-69 (.574) record. This was the same finish they had in 2015. This season, however, they came up three games short of a playoff berth.

Disappointed but determined, the Omaha management team has already begun the planning process for the 2017 season. Despite a burdensome salary commitment in the coming year, the Cyclones opted to secure two of their most important future pieces to long-term deals prior to the end of the season.

Jason Corbett
2016: .291 AVG | 22 HR | .814 OPS | 36.1 VORP

Corbett backed up his impressive 2015 campaign with a solid 2016. While it was not as productive as the year prior, Jason proved that he is a force to be reckoned with and, at only 28, he could be behind the Cyclones’ dish for some time. The team opted to extend Corbett a five-year, $41.75 million deal. The contract averages out to about $8.35 million a season and will take Jason to the age of 33.

Skeptics think that this deal may be a bit premature. Corbett has had one phenomenal All-Star season. Although he had a decent 2016, it paled in comparison to the 63.2 VORP he produced last year.

General Manager Jason Warne defended the deal. “Jason is our catcher for the foreseeable future. His production, defense, and game-calling behind the plate were critical reasons why we had our late-season surge. The hard work that he puts in day after day rubs off in the clubhouse, and we could not ignore it.”

Perhaps there is some truth to those words. In September and August, Corbett batted over .300 with a .951 OPS. He belted 12 of his 22 home runs in the final two months and clearly was a man on a mission. His offensive outburst is partially to thank for the second-half success that the team experienced.

“I am just happy I don’t have to deal with a new contract,” stated Corbett. “I wasn’t sure if I would be here in a few seasons, but I guess I don’t have to worry about that. Now I can focus on my offseason routine and try to come back even stronger in 2017.”

Vincente Corondo
2016: 13-11 | 3.69 ERA | 1.32 WHIP | 212.1 IP

Coronado was another young gun who was offered an extension. The 28-year-old groundball starter led the Cyclones pitching staff with over 212 innings pitched. Coronado backed up a stellar 2015 with a solid yet unspectacular season. With António Rivera slowing despite his 15-7 record, many would agree that Coronado is likely the ace of this staff moving forward.

Coronado, a clubhouse leader, agreed to a reasonable four-year contract with a $20.9 million price tag. That equals about $5.23 million per season. The deal came as a shock, since the team has compensated some of their veteran pitching staff handsomely. Hamilton Cole and Rivera will earn $10.1 and $12.0 million, respectively. Even Dustin Moyer, who was injured much of the season, will earn a fat $8.8 million in 2017.

“I just like it here,” commented Coronado. “I know I probably could have fought for more, but I told my agent I just want to play here in Omaha… and I want to win. I think we have a real shot the next season or more, and I want to be here to contribute. Guys like ‘Crayon’ and Cole have earned their pay. I just hope the organization remembers how flexible I have been when the next deal comes around.”

This could not be closer to the truth. Owner Grey Davidson and Warnke have been known to throw plenty of money at veterans. Whether it be the additions of Rivera (whom Warnke extended last season), Cole (also extended last season), or veterans Ángel Centena and Moyer, who were both plucked out of free agency last season – age does not scare him.

So What Will This Mean for 2017?

It is uncertain how the team will look. With these two extensions and the possible super-two arbitration deal with José Camacho, the team already appears to be over budget. In fact, rumors persist that Davidson and Warnke are seriously considering trading all-Omaha and fan favorite Narahiko Imada to loosen up their cash flow crunch. Pitchers Rivera, Moyer, Cole, and centerfielder Orlando Germánare all rumored to be on the block.

With their current payroll approaching $120 million, there will be little to no wiggle room for free agent signings this offseason. Free agency has been a staple of the team that Warnke has managed to assemble over the last few years.

It will take the type of late-season play that the team displayed for the Cyclones to have a chance. However, the future does look bright. Alejandro Barrios, Arthur Collins, Heath Morrow, and Ismael Hernández are all expected to develop and provide significant contributions. As long as their existing core of veterans can continue to produce, these additions alone could be enough to propel Omaha back to the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. If they struggle out of the gates again, however, it would not be surprising to see management blow up the team and cut a significant amount of payroll. Even though they had a record revenue year, no team can survive deca-million-dollar losses for more than a season or two and expect to thrive in the long term.