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Figured it was thread worthy.The Cleveland Indians suddenly have joined the big spenders and agreed on a four-year, $48 million contract with Michael Bourn, according to two persons with direct knowledge of the contract negotiations.
The two people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the contract will not be finalized until Bourn completes a physical.
Bourn, the last marquee free-agent player to sign, was also being courted by the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. The contract could be worth $60 million over five years if Bourn has 550 plate appearances in 2016. The deal was first reported by CBSSports.com
The Indians, who already have Michael Brantley and Drew Stubbs, now are strongly considering moving right fielder Nick Swisher to first base, a high-ranking Indians executive told USA TODAY Sports. It's also quite possible the Indians could trade Stubbs, a natural center fielder, since Bourn will play center.
Swisher, who signed a four-year, $56 million free-agent contract in December, would move to first base and Mark Reynolds could become the DH. This would give the Indians a powerful defensive outfield of Michael Brantley, Drew Stubbs and Bourn.
Bourn, 30, was originally seeking a six- or seven-year deal, but his value diminished when the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies each acquired center fielders from the Minnesota Twins. Teams were also required to forfeit a first-round draft pick and lose money from their draft pool.
The Indians have had one of their most aggressive winters in the last decade. They also acquired starter Trevor Bauer from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and signed free-agents Brett Myers, Reynolds, DH/pinch-hitter Jason Giambi and veteran starter Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Indians are having a nice little off-season.