The Indians have signed outfielder Jeremy Hermida to a minor-league deal, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.
Hermida was once a highly touted prospect in the Marlins organization, ranking fourth overall on Baseball America’s annual list in 2006. But injuries, and a lack of production, prevented him from reaching his ceiling. Hermida, 29, spent last season in the Padres organization.
While he spent most of the year in the minors, Hermida did receive 27 plate appearances with the Padres last season. He hit .250/.333/.375 in those chances. Over his career, Hermida has a .257/.334/.415 batting line.
This signing marks the second reclamation project for the Indians this offseason. The team also signed Scott Kazmir, another top prospect who flamed out at an early age. Hermida never experienced as much success as Kazmir at the major-league level, but they were both regarded as elite prospects at one time.
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