Nick Johnson’s minor-league deal with the Indians was first reported last Tuesday, but the two sides didn’t get around to actually finalizing (and announcing) the contract until this afternoon.
Johnson won’t be ready for Opening Day after undergoing three wrist surgeries in the past year, but will be in line to receive $750,000 if he makes it back to the majors at some point in 2011.
As part of the contract, Johnson reaching the majors this season would also give Cleveland a team option on him for 2012, so if he gets healthy and produces the Indians will be able to bring him back at a reasonable rate next season.
As always with Johnson the odds are against that actually happening, as he played just 195 of a possible 648 games during the past four seasons and is 33 years old. Still, a .401 career on-base percentage is worth a $750,000 flier after the Yankees wasted $5.5 million on him last season.
