The Cleveland Indians would reportedly like to trade Nick Swisher and his high-priced contract, even if it means taking on another inflated deal.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports the Indians are exploring several trade possibilities this offseason as they look to fill holes on their roster. One option includes swapping Swisher and the guaranteed $30 million owed to him over the next two seasons for another overpriced player that better suits the needs of the club.
Swisher, 33, was limited to 97 games this season with knee and wrist injuries and struggled to a career-low slash line of .208/.278/.331 with eight homers.
Center fielder Michael Bourn has a similarly structured contract as Swisher - both have playing-time related vesting options for 2017 - but he occupies a much more difficult position to fill. With Carlos Santana at first base and options like David Murphy existing in right, Swisher's value is mostly tied to his bat.
Still, the switch-hitting Swisher could be an underrated bounce-back candidate offensively next year. Prior to 2014, Swisher averaged an .832 OPS with 25 homers and 32 doubles over the previous four seasons.
