After one day of trading A.J. Burnett to the Pirates for some minor leaguers, New York Yankees have signed Raul Ibanez to their lineup. The left handed designated hitter, Raul was expected to join the Yankees and reports suggest that Yankees traded Burnett to the Pirates to make way for Raul.
The player and the team have agreed to a one year contract for $1.1 million. The details regarding the deal were revealed by a source close to the matter. The person revealed the details on condition of being anonymous because the negotiation deal between the team and the player is still pending a physical. The deal also included $2.9 million in terms of performance bonus.
Joe Girardi, manager of New York Yankees said that over his career, Ibanez has hit right hander’s extremely well and he can still play in the outfield. However, Joe didn’t comment on the new agreement. While commenting further on Ibanez, Girardi said that he has been a productive player if his career highlights in the past 10 years are observed.
Raul Ibanez, the 39 year old outfielder, was playing with Philadelphia for the last three seasons. The player hit .245 in 2011 with 84 RBIs and 20 homers. Raul is expected to be the primary hitter for the Yankees.
Raul was decided over Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon by the New York Yankees. Both Matsui and Damon are free agents. The agreement between Ibanez and Yankees comes just one day after the trade of Burnett to Pittsburgh. For the deal, the Pirates will be paying $5 million of Burnett’s salary in 2012 and another $8 million in the coming year.
Reports also suggest that New York Yankees have another offer out that will resign backup Eric Chavez.
