As first reported by CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, the Indians have reached agreement on a one-year contract with free agent outfielder Rajai Davis. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal says it will be worth $5.25 million with some performance-based incentives tacked on.
Davis posted a respectable .746 OPS with eight home runs and 18 stolen bases in 113 games this past season for the Tigers. He gives the Indians much-needed outfield depth with Michael Brantley recovering from major offseason shoulder surgery. There have been reports that Brantley might not be recovered until June.
Davis is 35 years old, but he still moves well and there is little risk in any one-year deal. There’s a chance he maintains starter-like playing time even when Brantley returns.