After much anticipation and Spring Training kicking off, Michael Bourn signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Indians worth $48 million. The Scott Boras client will now play in the American League for the first time in his career.
The New York Mets were in contention for Bourn, but the Indians apparently sneaked up out of nowhere. They now have a great leadoff hitter and fielder along with Nick Swisher in the outfield.
Contract Details
Bourn is set to make about $12 million per year. However, if he makes 550 plate appearances in his last year, Bourn can make $60 million in five years, which adds $12 million afrom the vesting option. The Indians also gave up the overall 71st pick in the draft. They had already forfeited their 2nd rounder after acquiring Swisher
By that time, Bourn's contract is up, he'll be 35 and it will interesting to see if he can continue playing at a high level.
Bourn is one of the fastest guys in the big leagues and has been at the top of the charts in the stolen bases category year after year. He has stolen at least 60 bases twice in his career and last season, with the Atlanta Braves, he stole 42 bases.
More impressively, however, Bourn smacked nine homers and drove in 57 runs in 2012. He almost doubled his career total. In six seasons, Bourn totaled 13 home runs. Both numbers were career highs.
The Indians have now set themselves up with a pretty decent lineup as Bourn joins forces with guys like Michael Bradley, Asdrubal Cabrera, Mike Aviles and Mark Reynolds. Swisher, Reynolds and Cabrera possess the pop, the other guys just have to worry about getting on base.
The Losers
As mentioned above, the Mets were heavily rumored to having interest in Bourn, but they didn't want to give up their 1st-Round pick, which was 11th overall.
The Texas Rangers also had interests in signing Bourn. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners, who were hungry for offense, obviously won't have a chance to sign Bourn now.
Bourn is 30 years old, a two time All-Star and Gold Glove winner.
