The Indians signed pitcher Tommy Hunter to a one-year deal worth $2 million last week. Before that, Hunter had agreed on a two-year deal between $11.5-12 million with the Yankees, but that fell through as the Yankees were uncomfortable with the results, Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting.
The consternation is likely due to Hunter’s condition after undergoing core muscle surgery twice this offseason, most recently on January 7. Sherman notes that the Yankees were also concerned with Hunter’s arm health. As Hunter remained unsigned right up until pitchers and catchers reported, there was some thought that he might have to settle for a minor league deal, but he was able to secure a guaranteed contract with the Indians.
Hunter, 29, posted a 4.18 ERA with a 47/14 K/BB ratio over 60 1/3 innings between the Orioles and Cubs last season. Indians manager Terry Francona noted on Thursday that the right-hander is likely to open the 2016 season on the disabled list, MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reports.