Indians agree to 1-year contract with Juan Uribe

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) The Indians have shifted their infield already. Even before Cleveland held its first full-squad workout of spring training, the Indians

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) The Indians have shifted their infield already.

Even before Cleveland held its first full-squad workout of spring training, the Indians have changed plans for 2016 by agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran infield Juan Uribe.

The 36-year-old Uribe will likely begin the season as the Indians' starting third baseman, moving in front of Giovanny Urshela, who started 76 games as a rookie at third.

Uribe's deal, which is worth just under $5 million, won't be finalized until he returns to the United States after resolving issues with his visa. Uribe also has to pass a physical before signing his contract. It could be several more days before Uribe joins the Indians.

A .256 career hitter, Uribe played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets last season, batting .253 with 14 home runs in 119 games. During his 15-year career, Uribe has also played for Colorado, the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco. He has 192 career home runs and 791 RBIs.

Uribe played in one game for the Mets in the 2015 World Series, hitting an RBI single in his lone at-bat.

His addition means Urshela will start the year either in Triple-A Columbus or will play behind Uribe with the Indians. Last season, the Indians used several players at third base, but Urshela started at the positon more so than any other player, hitting .225 with 6 homers and 21 RBIs. The 24-year-old did a nice job defensively, making six errors in 192 total chances.

Indians manager Terry Francona said he was aware of the rumors surrounding Uribe, but wouldn't comment specifically on what he could bring to the team.

Team president Chris Antonetti did not offer much on Uribe other than to say the team was still working through negotiations.