On Monday, the Cleveland Indians “brought home” free agent outfielder nick Swisher, confirming that they’d signed the former Ohio State collegiate star to a four year, $56M contract. The former New York Yankee right fielder will join the Indians after they heavy pursued the switch-hitter this offseason. 

Swisher effectively takes the place of Shin Shoo Choo, who was traded in last week’s three-team swap that landed the Indians talented pitcher Trevor Bauer and speedy centerfielder Drew Stubbs.  Swisher’s signing, the largest in club history, is surprising as the Indians are in a rebuilding phase and finally shedding $18M in payroll this offseason with Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore departures.  Nonetheless, Swisher, alongside Stubbs and Michael Brantley represent a considerable offensive upgrade for the Indians’ outfield trio from 2012. The club has seen abysmal attendance the past few seasons (1.6M in 2012 attendance, 29 of 30 teams), yet recent team moves (the signing new Manager Terry Francona, sending money to Cincinnati Reds in the Choo-deal, and signing first baseman Mark Reynolds) have all added significant payroll, so owner Larry Dolan seems to be investing in the club while it remains mired near the bottom of the AL Central.

Swisher’s was courted by many teams this offseason and was originally seeking a pact similar to Jayson Werth’s seven year, $126M contract. Swisher, 32, has been a remarkably consistent hitter through his career, totaling between 3.2 and 4.1 WAR in six of the past seven seasons.  The switch hitter consistently hits between 22 and 29 home runs and does not present significant platoon splits against either right (.270 AVG) or left handed pitchers (.273 AVG). Swisher has long had outstanding plate discipline, as he swings at just 20% of pitches outside the strike zone (OSwing%, league average 30%), which has led to his consistently high BB% (career 13.3 BB%).

While Swisher will age through the contract, ending the final season of the contract at age 36, there’s enough value through the first two or three years of this deal to consider it a bargain for the Indians.  They’ve effectively plugged a key corner outfield position with a player that has all the skill sets that should allow him to retain much of his value through the contract.