"As spring training gets closer, the Indians' roster seems to change daily.

General Manager Chris Antonetti, in his second year on the job, continued to remake the Tribe on Thursday. He signed free-agent first baseman Casey Kotchman to a one-year, $3 million deal plus incentives. The signing isn't expected to become official until today.

Earlier Thursday, the Indians reached agreement on a one-year deal with left-hander Rafael Perez to avoid arbitration. Perez will receive $2.005 million plus $25,000 in incentives if he appears in 55 games this season. Perez's signing leaves All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as the only unsigned Indian eligible for arbitration.

Cabrera has an arbitration hearing scheduled this month in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Kotchman's arrival tilts manager Manny Acta's lineup even more to the left side of the plate. If Acta chooses, he could have an all left-handed lineup against certain right-hander starters with CF Grady Sizemore (L), SS Cabrera (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), C Carlos Santana (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), 1B Kotchman (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), LF Michael Brantley (L) and 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L).

The signing means Matt LaPorta, starting first baseman last year, is probably out of a job. He has an option left, so he could be sent to Class AAA Columbus to clear a spot for Kotchman on the 40-man roster. He could also be traded or make the club as a bench player. "