Free agent outfielder Michael Bourn has finally found a home. Bourn reached an agreement with the Cleveland Indians on a four year deal worth $48 million. The deal includes a $12 million vesting option for a fifth year which is triggered if Bourn reaches 550 plate appearances in the final year of the deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Bourn 30, hit .274/.348/.391 last year with nine homers, 57 RBI and 42 steals in 2012 with the Atlanta Braves.
The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs had also been rumored as potential suitors for Bourn before he signed with the Indians. The Bourn signing marks the second major deal for the Indians this off-season. The team signed free-agent Nick Swisher to a four-year deal worth $56 million in December. The Indians forfeited their second round pick to the New York Yankees as compensation and will lose a competitive balance picks approximately number 71 overall to Atlanta as compensation for signing Bourn.
Teams were reluctant to sign Bourn this off-season after his previous team the Atlanta Braves made him a one-year $13.3 million qualifying offer, thereby linking him to draft pick compensation. Cleveland was in a unique position after already surrendering their pick to the Yankees after signing Swisher, making the compensation for Bourn less of an issue. The Indians will retain their number five pick overall as teams cannot lose their top 10 pick and will retain their third round pick number 80 overall.
The Indians have had a busy off-season, trading for Drew Stubbs and Trevor Bauer and recently signing designated hitter Jason Giambi and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka to minor league contracts. Cleveland has also signed Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds on one year deals.
