Russell Branyan Signs With The Cleveland Indians

According to MLB sources, former Seattle Mariners first baseman Russell Branyan has decided to sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cleveland Indians.

Branyan’s deal also includes a possible $1 million in incentives for this year, and contains a $5 million mutual option for 2011. Branyan, 33, hit 31 homers and drove in 76 runs in 116 games for Seattle last season.

Cleveland was expected to try Matt LaPorta at first base in 2010, but with the acquisition of Branyan, they apparently do not feel too confident with that.

With that in mind, Branyan almost certainly have a shot at being the Indians’ regular first baseman, and be part of what is expected to be a good offense.

Branyan began his career with the Indians in 1998, and over the last 12 seasons, he has appeared in 882 games, with 164 career homers.