Cleveland Indians Officially Add Juan Uribe

The Cleveland Indians Finalize Deal With Juan Uribe

Earlier this past week the Indians announced they had a deal in place to sign free agent third baseman Juan Uribe.  Today it was revealed that the deal was finalized.  Uribe will get $4 million with the chance to earn up to $1.5 million additional in performance bonuses. He’s also been officially added to the Tribe’s 40-man roster. To make room for him Abraham Almonte has been moved to the restricted list as he’s suspended for the first 80 games. 

Uribe arriving in camp comes after a some visa issues prevented him from entering the country, but those are obviously behind him now. He arrives just days before the Indians’ first spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds. Uribe will likely be a few days behind the rest of the position players, but he’ll have plenty of time to get ready before Opening Day where he’ll  be the starting third baseman.

Despite Uribe being in camp, the team has not forgotten about former starting third baseman Giovanny Urshela. Terry Francona talked about him some today saying he thinks Urshela would benefit from more at-bats in Triple-A; however, he and the team are still believers in Urshela as a potential starter in the big leagues.

Next: Former Indians Lee and Betancourt Retire

What remains to be seen is how Urshela and top third base prospect Yandy Diaz will split time at the hot corner down in Columbus, something I discussed earlier this week.  Also, with Uribe in camp it would appear the last of the additions have been made. Many have speculated that the Tribe could be involved with a free agent outfielder, possibly Austin Jackson, though it appears that is not the case as the team seems comfortable with their options.