CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians have officially added first baseman Casey Kotchman to their ever-changing roster.
Cleveland finalized its $3 million, one-year deal with Kotchman on Friday, a day after reaching the agreement.
Kotchman, who batted a career-high .306 last season for Tampa Bay, likely will be Cleveland’s starting first basemen. The left-handed hitter also is an exceptional fielder, which will help Cleveland’s sinker-balling pitching staff.
The Indians set their sights on Kotchman after they were unable to sign Carlos Pena and Derrek Lee. Kotchman, 28, has a career .998 fielding percentage, the highest for a first basemen with at least 700 games.
Indians general manager Chris Antonetti has spent the offseason re-shaping the team. He has added six players from outside the organization to the 40-man roster.
