Indians GM: Giambi unlikely to return as player next season

If Jason Giambi opts to play another season, it likely won't be with the Cleveland Indians.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti suggested Friday the club has no interest in re-signing the 43-year-old free agent, who recently completed his 20th season in the major leagues.

"We've been in touch with both (Giambi) and his agent," Antonetti told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. "He's meant so much to us over the course of the past two years that I would never want to just rule it out, but I think it would be maybe a more difficult fit heading into next year than it has in years past."

Giambi, a five-time All-Star, spent the last two seasons on Cleveland's bench, frequently serving as a late-game pinch-hitter while getting the occasional start at designated hitter. Though Giambi will explore what free agency has to offer this winter, Antonetti would consider offering the former MVP a different role within the organization.

"We would be very open to it," Antonetti said. "Because, as I've said numerous times, we all have an incredible respect for Jason and the impact he can have in so many ways."