Casey Kotchman

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman is “headed to the Indians.”

In other words, the two sides have already reached a deal or are very close to it. Kotchman 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 among the top defensive first basemen in the sport. He represents a nice upgrade for Cleveland.

Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports that the Orioles “have discussed” free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman.

It’s not clear if they plan on making an aggressive push for the veteran or if his name just came up when they talked about their options. Kotchman would settle in at first base, which would allow Chris Davis to slide into the DH spot and Wilson Betemit into a utility role. The soon-to-be 29-year-old batted .306/.378/.422 slash line with 10 home runs and 48 RBI in 563 plate appearances this past season for the Rays.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports that Casey Kotchman is “high on Cleveland’s list” in their search for a first baseman.

The club’s first choice appears to be Carlos Pena, but that’s if general manager Chris Antonetti can convince ownership to raise payroll. Kotchman looks like a fallback plan, and they might be competing against the Rays, who are also interested in Pena and in re-signing Kotchman. The 28-year-old batted .306/.378/.422 slash line with 10 home runs and 48 RBI in 563 plate appearances this past season for Tampa Bay.