Free agent outfielder agrees to $48 million deal, pending physical
(GOODYEAR, Ariz.) -- The Cleveland Indians continued to shock Major League Baseball Monday night with their aggressive approach to improve their current roster agreeing to a four-year deal with free agent oufielder Michael Bourn worth $48 million.
Bourn, 30, batted .274 last season with 9 HRs and 57 RBIs to go along with 42 steals. The outfielder spent last year with the Atlanta Braves and is currently represented by maverick agent Scott Boras.
The surprising signing of Bourn comes off the heels of a busy offseason for the Tribe which also brought in free agents Nick Swisher, Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds.
The deal with Bourn and Cleveland is pending a physial.
This sets up an interesting situation for the Indians outfield who already has Swisher, Michael Brantley and newly acquired Drew Stubbs. While both Chris Antonetti and Terry Francona were not immediately available for comment, the belief is that Swisher could see more time at first base, while Reynolds would then DH.
The deal was first reported by FoxSports.com, WTAM 1100 confirmed the agreement shortly after.
Due to the deal with Bourn the Indians will lose future draft picks.
According to a later report, the deal with Bourn also included a fifth year worth $12 million.
In other news for the Indians, newly acquired right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to join the Tribe in spring camp Tuesday. Pitchers and catchers for the Indians will hold their first official workout on Tuesday as well. The first full squad workout is scheduld for Friday, Feb. 15.
- Nick Camino
For the latest news on the Indians follow Nick on Twitter @CaminoTribe.