Former Cleveland Indian Nick Swisher released by Braves

Nick Swisher, who spent two-and-a-half seasons as a member of the Cleveland Indians, has been released by the Atlanta Braves, the team announced today on Twitter. The Indians traded Swisher and outfielder Michael Bourn to the Braves in exchange for Chris Johnson shortly after last season's trade deadline.

After the Indians signed a lucrative TV deal in 2013, they went on a bit of a spending spree. Most notably, the signed Swisher and Bourn to deals worth a combined $104 million. Neither player did much as members of the Tribe, outside of Swisher's 2.1 fWAR season in 2013, and they were eventually dealt to the Braves in order to move around some salary and free up money for this upcoming season.

The Braves will still owe Swisher $29 million over the next two seasons, similar to the situation the Indians face with Chris Johnson, who now plays for the Miami Marlins but is owed $17 million over the next three seasons. Last season with the Braves, Swisher slashed .195/.349/.339 and hit four home runs in 46 games. At 35 years old with major knee issues, Swish may have trouble finding a new job at anything other than a minor league deal.