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Ranking the biggest free-agent signings in Indians history

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Over the years, the Cleveland Indians have built a reputation as a low budget team - one that typically shies away from spending big on free agents. Instead, the organization has relied heavily on player development, while occasionally dipping into the international market.

With Edwin Encarnacion reportedly agreeing to a team record-breaking three-year, $60-million deal with the Tribe, here is how his contract stacks up against the biggest free-agent signings in team history:

Edwin Encarnacion

Year: 2016
Term: 3 years, $60 million
AAV: $20 million

Fresh off their first World Series appearance since 1997, the Indians window to win is now. After surprisingly cutting ties with veterans Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis, the Indians front office was patient and waited out Encarnacion's market after it was slow to develop. Even though his contract is the largest financial commitment handed to a player in team history, there's no denying the impact Encarnacion will provide the Tribe in 2017.

Nick Swisher

Year: 2013
Term: 4 years, $56 million
AAV: $14 million

In what seemed like a match made in heaven at the time, Nick Swisher's tenure with the Indians left much to be desired. After four terrific seasons with the New York Yankees, Swisher returned home to Ohio for $14 million annually. He was productive in year one, hitting 246/.341/.423 while providing a 3.6 WAR. The good times were short lived after multiple knee surgeries led to him being shipped out of town, having played only 46 games since.

Michael Bourn

Year: 2013
Term: 4 years, $48 million
AAV: $12 million

After establishing himself as an elite baserunner and lead-off hitter, Michael Bourn's contract with the Indians turned out to be a major bust. Injuries slowed the speedster down in his three years with the Tribe, where he combined to hit .257/.315/.345 and a 1.0 WAR from 2014-15. It led to Bourn being dealt to Atlanta along with Swisher - two of the franchises most disappointing offseason investments.

Kerry Wood

Year: 2008
Term: 2 years, $20.5 million
AAV: $10.25 million

Desperately needing a closer, the Indians decided to dip into the free-agent market to sign starter-turned-reliever Kerry Wood, a pitcher whose shady injury history made him a risky investment from the get-go. Wood converted 20 saves in 2009, but fell apart the following year, posting a 6.30 ERA, and landed on the disabled list for the 14th time in his career. He was later dealt to the Yankees and retired in 2012.

Robbie Alomar

Year: 1998
Term: 4 years, $30 million
AAV: $7.5 million

Much to the delight of the front office, Robbie Alomar was one of the biggest and best free-agent signings in team history. In three years with the Tribe, Alomar hit .323/.405/.515 with 309 RBIs - an average of 103 RBIs a season. He also went on to win three-straight Gold Gloves, two Silver Slugger awards, and finished in the top 10 in MVP voting twice.

Honorable mentions:

Chuck Finley (3 years, $27 million 1999)

Kenny Lofton (3 years, $24 million, 1997)

Ellis Burks (3 years, $19.5 million, 2000)

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