Michael Bourn Signs with Indians

The Cleveland Indians signed Michael Bourn Monday night to a  four-year, $48 million contract, even though the Mets were reportedly Bourn’s first choice.

MLB Trade Rumors reports that according to sources who spoke to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets were “definitely” his first choice. The two sides worked out dollars and years, and were up to minor issues such as whether Bourn would get a hotel suite on the road.

Of course, there was also the issue of the Mets draft pick, which would have reportedly taken up to three weeks to resolve.

Joel Sherman of the Post tweets that the Mets offer was similar to the Indians, but the Indians offered an option for a fifth year that could bring the total to $60 million, which appears to be what finally pushed Bourn to the lovely town of Cleveland.

It is unfortunate that the Mets will not have a major leaguer roaming the outfield at Citi Field this season, but I think committing four, and possibly five, years to Bourn at that salary would have been a mistake. He is a fine player, but he is not a difference-maker. With the Mets funds sure to be limited for years to come, that type of investment has to go to a better player, one who could carry a team to the post season. Bourn is just not that kind of player.

On another note, I am stunned that the Indians pulled this off. Earlier Monday I mocked Ken Rosenthal for reporting Cleveland’s interest. After signing Nick Swisher, I didn’t think the Indians had any more money to spend. I was wrong, and thus will refrain from making fun of Rosenthal’s height (or lack thereof) this time around.