The Yankees announced that they have signed infielder Kevin Youkilis on a one-year contract. The Pro Star Management, Inc. client obtains $12MM, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, who first reported the agreement (via Twitter). Youkilis drew interest from a number of clubs this offseason, including the Indians and newly-minted skipper Terry Francona.
Youkilis struggled offensively as a member of the embattled 2012 Red Sox, hitting just .233/.315/.377 with four homers across 165 plate appearances. However, he bounced back after being traded to the White Sox and boosted his slash line to .236/.346/.425 with 15 home runs in 344 plate appearances.
The 33-year-old is expected to see significant time at third base as Alex Rodriguez recovers from surgery on his left hip. A-Rod will be out until at least May and could even be sidelined until July. When Rodriguez returns to action, Youkilis could help support him at third while also seeing time at first base and DH.
Cleveland bowed out of the Youkilis chase on Sunday when they inked Mark Reynolds to a one-year contract worth $6MM. Prior to that, the Tribe reportedly offered Youkilis a two-year deal worth approximately $18MM. Some also saw the free-spending Dodgers as a possible suitor for Youkilis, but it doesn't appear that they ever jumped into the mix.
Rosenthal notes (via Twitter) that this is another sign that the Yankees appear to be serious about tightening their belt before 2014. The Bombers are looking to get under $189MM limit by that point and they have inked Youkilis, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Hiroki Kuroda to one-year deals to help accomplish that.
