Buster Olney is reporting that the Indians have beat out the Tampa Bay Rays for Russell Branyan's services. The deal is supposedly for one year and $2M, with a possible $1M in incentives and a $5M mutual option, something that I don't ever remember the Indians agreeing to previously.
This is fourth time that the Indians have acquired Branyan, each time using a different method of acquisition. They selected him in the seventh round of the 1994 draft, traded for him in early 2004, signed him a minor-league deal in the summer of 2007, and now have (reportedly) signed him to a major-league contract.
Last year Branyan had his best season as a professional, hitting 31 home runs and posting a 128 OPS+ as Seattle's full-time first baseman, though his production dropped off in the second half as he battled through back problems. Concerns about his back was the main reason why he hadn't signed much earlier in the winter.
We all know the trade-offs in Branyan's game: He's going to strike out many times, but he's also one of the best power threats in baseball. The Indians needed some more power production from the corners, and also an insurance policy at first base in case Matt LaPorta isn't ready to start the season. This signing probably means that Andy Marte isn't making the club, assuming the Indians carry twelve pitchers.