The Cleveland Indians may have found a boost for their stagnant offense.

The team is nearing a deal with free agent outfielder Johnny Damon, who is just 277 hits away from 3,000 and was looking to catch on with a team to prolong his career. Both need help. Damon needs hits to reach the milestone. The Indians simply need hits.

Agent Scott Boras has been in talks with Indians general manager Chris Antonetti, who has been looking for a player to help a Cleveland team off to a 1-4 start and batting just .176 - worst in the majors. The sides were still working on terms of the deal, which could include an opt-out clause once Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore returns from the disabled list.

The 38-year-old sent a text message to the Associated Press saying the deal "should be done soon." Damon played with Tampa Bay - his sixth AL team - last season. He batted .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs in 150 games, 135 as the club's designated hitter.

- Associated Press