Indians sign Ryan Raburn to 2-year extension

The Cleveland Indians have signed outfielder Ryan Raburn to a two-year contract extension, according to an announcement from the team. The deal keeps Raburn in Cleveland through the 2015 season, and also includes a club option for 2016. According to Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer, the two-year deal is worth $4.85 million in guaranteed money, and MLB.com's Jordan Bastian adds that the option is worth $3 million with a $100,000 buyout.

Raburn, who signed a minor league deal with the Indians last winter after being released by the Tigers, would have been a free agent after the season. The 32-year old has surprised many with his solid performance for the Tribe, hitting .277 with 13 HR and 38 RBI in 66 games on the season. In eight major league seasons with the Tigers (2004, 2007-2012) and Indians (2013), Raburn has hit .258 with 67 HR and 254 RBI in 632 games.

By committing to Raburn through 2015, the Indians have solidified their right field spot and will not risk losing the versatile outfielder to free agency this winter. Even after a 2012 season in which he hit .171 in 66 games with Detroit, Raburn drew interest from as many as six teams last offseason, including the Indians, Braves and Marlins, which means that he is highly regarded throughout the league.