This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Goodyear, Ariz. • The Cleveland Indians have signed outfielder Michael Brantley to a four-year, $25 million contract extension that avoids arbitration and gives him a prominent place in the team's future.
Brantley led the team with a .284 batting average last season. He set career highs with 26 doubles, 10 homers, 73 RBIs and 66 runs. He also stole 17 bases in 21 attempts.
He moved from center to left field a year ago when the Indians signed Michael Bourn. Manager Terry Francona used him throughout the lineup, batting him everywhere except ninth in the order.
Brantley and the team agreed on a deal earlier in the week. He signed it after reporting for spring training and passing a physical.
———
Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay