The words “best shape of his life” weren’t used, but MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reports that Indians 1B/DH Nick Swisher has lost 15 pounds during the off-season. Apparently, Swisher is feeling “stoked” about the 2015 season.
Nick Swisher is down 15 pounds, feeling healthy, excited and stoked about 2015 and beyond: pic.twitter.com/E0s5R7ISY2
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) January 24, 2015
Per Bastian, Swisher also mentioned that he let some of the negative things written about him last year affect him, so he’s going to be a happy-go-lucky guy from now on.
Swisher, 34, has been relegated to DH duties after the Indians brought in Brandon Moss in a trade with the Athletics early in the off-season. Swisher batted a paltry .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 401 plate appearances last season. The Indians have appeared interested in trading Swisher but finding a taker will be difficult given his age, declining production, and the fact that he’s owed $15 million in each of the next two seasons. He also has an option for 2017 worth $14 million which vests with 550 plate appearances in ’16 and a clean physical.
