Bourn agrees to four-year deal with Indians
Free agent outfielder Michael Bourn agreed to a four-year deal with the Cleveland Indians worth $48 million, joining free agent Nick Swisher in a reconstructed, high-dollar outfield.
The contract also includes a vesting option for a fifth year worth $12 million if Bourn makes at least 550 plate appearances in 2016. Swisher's deal could be worth up for $56 million over four years.
The Indians have the fifth overall pick in the 2013 draft, so their first-round selection is protected. Teams that pick outside the first 10 would lose their first-round pick with such a signing, but Cleveland will lose only a second-round pick.
Bourn, 30, was named to the National League All-Star team last season, when he hit .274 with 26 doubles, 10 triples, nine homers, 57 RBI, 96 runs and 42 stolen bases for the Atlanta Braves. He's a two-time Gold Glove winner.
Earlier in the offseason, the Indians signed Swisher to a four-year, $56 million deal. It appears the Indians are benefiting from a lucrative local television deal.
The New York Mets reportedly were interested in signing Bourn, but the team didn't want to lose its first-round pick (11th overall) as compensation.
Cleveland has four potential starting outfielders: Bourn, Swisher, Michael Brantley and Drew Stubbs, the latter of whom was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in an offseason trade. Swisher could wind up as the first baseman, bumping Mark Reynolds to the designated hitter role, or the Indians could use one of the outfielders at DH.
