Nick Swisher Signs with Indians
The Yankees decided not to resign outfielder Nick Swisher, letting him go into the free agent market. Now, we are learning he has found a new home, and it happens to be his old home in Cleveland.
Swisher, who was born in Columbus Ohio, agreed to a four-year, $56 million dollar deal with the Cleveland Indians over the weekend. There will be a $14 million option for a fifth year as well, making the total deal worth a potential $70.
“Wow! What a crazy few weeks. Hey Cleveland! Are you ready? Because I’m coming home! #RollTribe,” Swisher tweeted Sunday morning.
Swisher won a World Series with NY in 2009
Swisher spent the last four seasons with the New York Yankees, hitting .272 with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs last season. However, like all of the team’s big sluggers, he struggled last postseason, as the Yankees fell to the Tigers in the ALCS. He still always managed to be one of the fan favorites in a town that’s very tough on its athletes and he acknowledged the fans and his appreciation for them via twitter.
“Thank you NY for the kindness & support you’ve shown me the past 4 years. It’s been an amazing experience & I’ve loved every minute of it!” he tweeted.
At 32, he most likely has plenty of productive years left in him and the Indians, which tanked last season, need all the help they can get at virtually every position. Swisher will take over right field for Shin-Soo Choo, who was traded to Cincinnati earlier this month.
The Indians have been hard at work this offseason trying to rebuild a team that has lost at least 93 games in its last three seasons. It started by firing Manny Acta and hiring former Red Sox and World Series Champion manager Terry Francona, who turned out to be instrumental in Swisher’s decision.
Cleveland pulled out all the stops to convince Swisher, who played baseball at Ohio State, inviting him and his wife to a lunch with former Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel. The team also showed a video featuring OSU coaches Urban Meyer and Thad Matta, who also tried to sway Swisher to come back home. Apparently the personal touches worked.
All in all, is seems like a good deal for both sides. Although, there’s no way the Indians will be good right away, if they continue to build, they may have a contender in a couple of seasons as long as Swisher and others stay healthy. Don’t put too much stock in Cleveland just yet, but look for them to be much improved next season.
