Indians and First Baseman Yonder Alonso Agree to 2-year Deal

Less than a week ago former Indians first baseman Carlos Santana signed with the Philadelphia Phillies leaving a hole to fill at first base.

On Wednesday Night, the Cleveland Indians and free agent first baseman Yonder Alonso reached a deal that will be bringing Alonso to Cleveland for the 2018 MLB season.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today broke the news on Wednesday night:

The Cleveland #Indians have found a first baseman: Yonder Alonso has agreed to deal with Cleveland

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 21, 2017

Alonso, 30, played in 142 games last season with the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners. Alonso hit .266/.365/.501, 22 doubles, 28 homers, drove in 67 runs, drew 68 walks, struck out 118 times, and was a member of the American League All-Star team.

The left-handed hitter had a WAR of 2.0 last season and has a WAR of 7.9 in his career.

During the 2017 season, Alonso had an oWAR (offensive WAR) of 2.8 with both Oakland and Seattle. He had a dWAR (defensive WAR) -1.6. In his career, Alonso has an oWAR of 6.8 and a dWAR of -3.2, the stats show that he is much better known for his offensive prowess compared to his defensive ability.

Alonso has played 8 seasons in the majors with the Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres. The left-handed hacker played in 806 games, has hit .268/.340/.407, 149 doubles, 2 triples, 67 homers, drove in 306 runs, drew 276 walks, and has struck out 455 times.

Alonso is expected to be in an Indians uniform until the 2020 season and possibly the 2021 season because he has an $8 million option.

Free agent 1B Yonder Alonso in agreement with #Indians on two-year, $16M contract, sources tell The Athletic. Deal includes $8M vesting option for a third year. Agreement first reported by @BNightengale.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 21, 2017