Indians sign Nyjer Morgan to minor league contract

The Cleveland Indians have signed outfielder Nyjer Morgan to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Crasnick adds that Morgan can make over $1 million if he makes the major league roster and reaches incentive clauses.

Morgan, 33, returns to the US after hitting .294 with 11 HR and 50 RBI in 108 games with the Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan last season. He reportedly drew interest from 6-8 MLB teams, and considered the possibility of returning to Japan as well.

Morgan last appeared in the majors in 2012 with the Brewers, hitting .239 with 3 HR and 16 RBI in 122 games while seeing times in all three outfield spots. While the Indians' starting outfield of Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn and David Murphy is likely set, Morgan could compete with Ryan Raburn and the recently-signed Jeff Francoeur for backup spots on the roster.

In six major league seasons with the Pirates (2007-2009), Nationals (2009-2010) and Brewers (2011-2012), Morgan is a lifetime .280 hitter with 11 HR, 130 RBI, and 117 stolen bases in 538 career major league games.