Cleveland Indians Reach Agreement with Nick Swisher: Four Years $56 Million

Swisher’s new deal with the Indians could reach $70 million

The Cleveland Indians have reached an agreement with free-agent Nick Swisher on a four-year contract worth $56 million.

The deal includes a $14 million vesting option for the 2017 season that could bring the value of the deal to $70 million.

Swisher hit .272/.364/.473 with 24 home runs and 93 RBI in 148 games for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees made a qualifying offer to Swisher for $13.3 million, which was rejected.

The Yankees will receive a draft pick as compensation.

Swisher joins an outfield that includes Michael Brantley and Drew Stubbs.

Swisher will likely play right field for the Indians, who traded Shin-Soo Choo to the Cincinnati Reds earlier this month.

The Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox, and Orioles were among the the teams interested in signing the 32-year-old outfielder.

Swisher’s deal represents the third largest for a position player this off-season.

Josh Hamilton signed a five-year $125 million deal with the Angels and B.J. Upton signed a five-year $75 million deal with the Braves.