Brandon Moss

The Indians are hoping for steady offensive production from Brandon Moss in the 2015 season.

(Charlie Riedel, Associated Press)

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The Indians, after much talk, have acquired first baseman-outfielder Brandon Moss from the Oakland Athletics.

The A's received second-base prospect Joey Wendle in return. Wendle missed a big part of last season with a broken hamate bone in his right hand.

Moss, 31, hit 25 home runs last year, but underwent surgery on his right hip in October. He's eligible for arbitration and could earn between $6.5 million and $7 million for 2015.

He is expected to start running in about five weeks. He probably won't be ready for the start of spring training in February, but should be available for the opening of the regular season.

News of the trade surfaced Wednesday, but the deal did not reach a conclusion until Monday, the first day of the winter meetings. It will be interesting to see how the lefty-hitting Moss fits into the lineup. He played for Tribe manager Terry Francona in Boston in 2007 and 2008 so the Indians have an idea of what kind of player they're getting.

Moss spent most of his time last season at first base. He appeared in 67 games there followed by 56 in left field, 34 in right field and 12 at DH.

The arrival of Moss makes for some crowded conditions on the Tribe's roster. Carlos Santana returns at first base. The starting outfield of Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn and David Murphy are back as well.

Nick Swisher, coming off double knee surgery, opened last season at first, but moved to DH because of his knee problems. Add Ryan Raburn, another corner outfielder/DH, to that mix and it probably means another move is coming.

Moss, 31, isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2016 season. He went to the All-Star Game last season after hitting .268 with 21 homers and 66 RBI. He slumped in the second half, hitting .173 with four homers and 15 RBI as he struggled with torn cartilage in his hip.

Last season Moss hit .228 with 21 homers and 70 RBI against righties. He hit .264 against lefties.

Moss has hit 91 homers in his career with 76 coming in the last three seasons with the A's.

Wendle, a left-handed hitter, was a sixth-round pick in 2012. He was hitting .253 (85-for-336) with eight homers and 50 RBI at Class AA Akron this year when he suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand.

Excited to be joining the Oakland Athletics organization! I hear nothing but great things! — Joey Wendle (@JoeyWendle) December 8, 2014

The A's are looking for young middle infielders and the Indians had a surplus in front of Wendle with Francisco Lindor, Erik Gonzalez, Jose Ramirez, Jason Kipnis and Mike Aviles.