Indians add Matt Joyce, Alex Wilson on minor league deals

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The Indians have been busy the last couple days bringing in some competition for the roster as we sit one week away from the start of spring training.

The team has reportedly signed outfielder Matt Joyce according to Joyce who tweeted out the news on Friday morning.

https://twitter.com/sweetswingin20/status/1093847339662495745

The 11-year major league veteran spent the last couple seasons with the Oakland Athletics and has also spent time with Detroit, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.

In 2017, Joyce hit for .243 with 25 home runs and drove in 68 runs in 141 games for Oakland but 2018 was a different story as he dealt with injuries and was limited to 83 games.

Joyce will reportedly make $1.25 million if he makes the club with an additional $500,000 in potential bonuses.

He’ll likely compete with Indians newcomer Jordan Luplow and Tyler Naquin for a spot in the outfield that has a lot of unknown heading into camp.

Team president Chris Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff are hoping Joyce can have a resurgence much like Rajai Davis and Austin Jackson had when they were late signings in the offseason in recent years and were able to help the Indians reach the postseason with their efforts.

Cleveland also reportedly signed relief pitcher Alex Wilson to a minor league deal that’ll earn him $1.25 million if he makes the club with an addition $750,000 in potential bonuses.

The 32-year-old right hander spent the last four seasons with the Detroit Tigers where he was one of their solid arms in the bullpen during that stretch.

Wilson posted a 11-12 record with 4 saves and a 3.20 ERA in 246 appearances for Detroit.

Against right handed batters, Wilson held them to a .255 average in 718 plate appearances. Against left handed batters, he held them to a .243 average in 593 plate appearances.

Wilson joins what looks to be a crowded bullpen heading into camp with Brad Hand the projected closer along with Adam Cimber, Dan Otero, Neil Ramirez, Oliver Perez, Tyler Olson, Jefry Rodriguez and recent acquisition Nick Wittgren.

 

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