CLEVELAND — The Indians wasted no time on one of their biggest offseason decisions: Bringing back Corey Kluber was a no-brainer. Cleveland said it intends to exercise Kluber’s $17.5 million contract option for next season, when the two-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to be healthy — and maybe rejuvenated — after an injury-shortened 2019.

Kluber made only seven starts before a line drive in Miami broke his right arm. He endured months of inactivity and rehab and was nearing a return when a strained oblique muscle set him back.

On Wednesday, team president Chris Antonetti announced the team’s decision on Kluber. And while the move wasn’t unexpected, the timing was unusual because the Indians typically take their time with major moves.

Kluber’s been a workhorse, logging at least 203 innings in each of the previous five seasons. It’s taken a toll on his body, but manager Terry Francona thinks the down time could help Kluber.

“I think this is almost a blessing in disguise. Yeah, we missed the heck out of him, but come next year I bet you he has a chance to be the Kluber that we’ve seen and relied on. For the innings and what he has given our team, I betcha he has a chance of being that again because of having a little bit of a layoff.”

The Indians could buy out Kluber’s 2020 option for $1 million. The club has an $18 million option for 2021 with a $1 million buyout.

Antonetti also said the team plans to decline options on second baseman Jason Kipnis ($16.5 million) and reliever Dan Otero ($1.5 million). Kipnis, who has spent his entire nine-year career with Cleveland, would get a $2.5 million buyout. Otero would receive a $100,000 buyout.

Antonetti said it’s possible the team will consider re-signing Kipnis, a two-time All-Star.

“I wouldn’t close any doors,” Antonetti said. “All this means is that we’re not going to exercise his option. It just wouldn’t work at that value. We’ll remain open to Kip potentially returning.”

NOTES: Bullpen coach Scott Atchison was fired after one season. … C Roberto Perez will have an injured ankle evaluated and could need surgery.