"Even after allowing Grady Sizemore to enter the free-agent pool, the Indians insisted that they maintained interest in keeping the center fielder in the fold. Now a deal between the two sides appears close to fruition.

On Friday night, multiple reports indicated that the Indians and Sizemore are in serious negotiations on a one-year contract. General manager Chris Antonetti declined to comment on any ongoing talks.

"I will refrain from specifically commenting on any speculation," Antonetti wrote in an e-mail to MLB.com. "But we remain interested in keeping Grady in an Indians' uniform and have expressed that sentiment to Grady and his representatives." "