The Cleveland Indians have reached an agreement with free-agent outfielder David Murphy on a two-year deal worth $12 million. According to John Heyman the deal includes an option for third-year. The deal is contingent on Murphy passing a physical.
Murphy, 32, had a somewhat disappointing 2013 season for the Texas Rangers hitting just .220/.282/.374 with 13 home runs in 142 games, but the Indians are banking on the 2008- 2012 Murphy when he hit 283/.346/.449 (108 OPS+) and averaged 18 homers and 31 doubles per 162 games played.
Murphy will likely find himself in a plate to with the right-handed hitting Ryan Raburn. He has a career OPS of .816 against right-handed pitching.
With Murphy the Cleveland outfield now includes Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn, Raburn and Drew Stubbs, and cements the Nick Swisher as the Indians regular first baseman for 2014. Last year, Swisher made 26 starts in right, 101 at first base and 17 at DH.
