Kevin Youkilis doesn’t expect to play until he’s 40, but he’ll “definitely” play on another contract for “a few more years” when his current deal expires. The 32-year-old infielder told Alex Speier of WEEI.com that he would like to reach ten years of service as a Major Leaguer and assure himself of a full pension.
Youkilis, who will have over seven years of service after the 2011 season, is under contract through 2012 and the Red Sox have a $13MM team option for 2013 ($1MM buyout). He has spent most of his career at first and third and would prefer to remain a position player as long as possible.
“I wouldn’t want to DH until I had to DH,” Youkilis said, before explaining that he’s open to another role. "If that’s the role that I have to play to help the team win, I’ll do it.”
Youkilis made his third All-Star team in four seasons this year after posting a .285/.399/.512 line with 13 home runs in the first half.
