The Oakland Athletics have inked utility infielder Nick Punto to a one-year deal with a vesting option for the 2015 season, the club announced Wednesday afternoon.
The deal is for $2.75 million in 2014 with a $2.75 million option for 2015 based upon days Punto spends on the disabled list next season, per Jon Heyman. So if he can stay healthy, this is tantamount to a two-year deal with the A's for Punto. With a $250,000 buyout if the option doesn't vest, Punto is guaranteed $3 million.
Punto, 36, hit .255/.328/.327 with 15 doubles and 34 runs scored in 116 games (335 plate appearances) for the Dodgers last season. He saw time at second base, third base and shortstop. He's generally a good fielder at all three positions.
The A's have a glut of infielders. The non-1B starters appear to be Josh Donaldson (3B), Jed Lowrie (SS) and Alberto Callaspo (2B). Eric Sogard and Jemile Weeks could also figure in the mix along with Punto, not to mention Scott Sizemore -- who is returning from ACL surgery.
