Matt

LaPorta

LaPorta, 28, became a minor league free agent earlier this month and it’s unclear whether the Indians intend to bring him back. The former top prospect was limited to 57 games in the minors this season after hip surgery and owns a disappointing .238/.301/.393 batting line in the majors.

LaPorta was projected as a sure first-round pick entering the year, but he suffered a strained oblique and he lost command of the strike zone when he was healthy. Since he fell as far as he did, there’s a good chance he’ll return to Florida for his senior season. However, he has the potential to be a steal if the Red Sox can sign him. A first baseman with middle-of-the-order potential is a definite need within the organization.

It’s no surprise after the former top prospect struggled to a .247/.299/.412 finish this season. LaPorta will be 27 going into spring training, and with a .238/.304/.397 career batting line over 909 at-bats, he’s starting to run out of chances.

The Indians are still undecided on their Opening Day left fielder and could look to find at-bats for LaPorta with Casey Kotchman set to begin the year at first base. LaPorta is hitting .172 in 30 plate appearances this spring.

The Indians want LaPorta to get regular playing time, and it simply wouldn’t have been available to him in the major leagues. Casey Kotchman will start at first base.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer has confirmed that a one-year, $3 million agreement is in place. Kotchman, 28, posted a cool 306/.378/.422 slash line with 10 home runs and 48 RBI in 563 plate appearances last season for the Rays and ranks annually among the top defensive first basemen in the sport. He represents a nice upgrade for Cleveland over the slightly younger but far less productive Matt LaPorta. Carlos Santana will also see time at first base in 2012.

The deal, which was reported Thursday and now become official, also includes some incentives. Kotchman, 28, posted a .306/.378/.422 slash line with 10 home runs and 48 RBI in 563 plate appearances last season for the Rays and offers a defensive upgrade for their groundball-heavy pitching staff. Matt LaPorta will be pushed to a backup role.

The Tribe signed Casey Kotchman to be their regular first baseman, and they’d like to give LaPorta everyday at-bats. The former top prospect will compete for a bench role, but Antonetti thinks LaPorta would benefit from some more seasoning. With a career .313/.400/.553 batting line there, LaPorta has nothing left to prove at Triple-A. He might have run out of chances with the Indians, though.

He was sent down to make room for the newly-claimed Esmil Rogers on the active roster. LaPorta went 2-for-11 (.182) during his brief stay with the team and figures to return later this summer.

He’s taking the roster spot of Johnny Damon, who was placed on the paternity leave list. LaPorta has mashed at Triple-A this season, batting .307 with 14 homers and 32 RBI in 46 games. But, of course, hitting minor league pitching has never been his problem. Even though the Indians have received little production from first base and left field this season, he’s no guarantee to stick around once Damon returns.