The Cleveland Indians have signed relief pitcher Chad Durbin to a one-year major league deal worth $800,000. The deal includes upwards of $1 million in incentives bringing the maximum value of the contract to $1.8 million.
Durbin was thought to be holding out for offers from contending clubs, but spring training is officially underway now and exhibition games begin this weekend.
The 33-year-old Durbin was 4-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 64 appearances last season. He struck out 63, walked 27, while allowing 29 runs a and 63 hits in 68 2/3 innings. He’s made 194 appearances over the last three seasons with the Phillies.
The right-hander will likely operate in the seventh and eighth innings behind closer Chris Perez in Cleveland. If Durbin does well enough, perhaps a contender will come calling mid-summer.
Durbin hasn’t started since 2007 when he made 19 starts for the Tigers in 36 appearances. He was 8-7 with 4.72 ERA and two saves that season. The last four years he’s worked out of the bullpen and has been a key member of the Phillies relief staff.
Durbin had minor-league offers on the table from the Phillies, Rangers, Red Sox, Rays, and Royals before signing a big league deal with Cleveland.
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