AP source: Indians close to deal with OF Murphy

CLEVELAND (AP) - David Murphy spent this season in a prolonged slump. That didn’t scare away the Indians.

A person familiar with the negotiations said the club is close to signing the free-agent outfielder to a two-year contract reportedly worth more than $10 million.

Murphy, who spent the past seven seasons with the Texas Rangers, must pass a physical before the deal can be completed, the person told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the sides only had a preliminary agreement, said Murphy will take his medical exam later this week.

Murphy batted a career-low .220 with 13 homers and 45 RBIs in 142 games last season. A left-handed hitter with a .275 career average, Murphy can play all three outfield positions. The well-liked 32-year-old played 128 games in left field last season, recording 10 assists with just two errors.

In 2012, Murphy batted .304 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs. He talked with the Rangers about a contract extension before the season but couldn’t work out a deal.

The Dallas Morning News and FOXsports.com reported Murphy’s potential deal earlier on Tuesday.

With the Indians, Murphy would likely platoon in right field with Drew Stubbs, who is eligible for arbitration, or Ryan Raburn.

Murphy would be the first signing this winter by the Indians, who are expected to be aggressive after making the playoffs in manager Terry Francona’s first season. Francona knows Murphy, who began his pro career with the Boston Red Sox.