Kevin Youkilis has become the latest to join a club that includes Wade Boggs, Johnny Damon and Roger Clemens.
Multiple reports last night indicate Youkilis will sign a one-year deal with the Yankees, pending a physical. The deal will be worth $12 million.
The Yankees were left in a lurch at third base when Alex Rodriguez announced he would need surgery on his hip, putting him out for four to six months. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman publicly stated at the winter meetings in Nashville last week that he would not move Eduardo Nunez to third base, meaning the team would look at the free-agent market.
But after Eric Chavez, Rodriguez’s backup for the past two seasons, signed with Arizona and Mark Reynolds and Jeff Keppinger took their talents elsewhere, the Yankees had few options.
Youkilis, 33, was a star for the Red Sox from 2004 to 2012, when his numbers slumped and he was traded to the White Sox. He has a lifetime average of .284 with a .384 on-base percentage, but batted just .235 last season.
