Now that they have inked free agent corner infielder Kevin
Youkilis to a one-year, $12 million contract, the New York Yankees will shift
their attention to re-signing outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, reports Jack Curry of
the YES Network.
With Youkilis in the fold, the Yankees will next look to complete a deal with Ichiro. Source said that could happen in the next 48 hours.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 11, 2012
An agreement between the Yankees and Suzuki could be reached
in the next 48 hours, according to Curry.
Ichiro made it clear at the start of the offseason that he’s
interested in re-signing with the Yankees. The veteran outfielder reportedly
even went as far as saying he’d be willing to let New York counter any other
offers he received this winter before making his ultimate decision on where to
play in 2013.
It appears that the Yankees also have interest in a reunion,
as they have a need for at least one other outfielder. Both Suzuki and Nick
Swisher hit the free agent market this winter, and while Brett Gardner is set
to return from injury the club is left with a major void in right field.
If the Yankees do add Ichiro they may still look to acquire
another outfielder, specifically a right-handed-hitting one, given that Suzuki,
Gardner and Curtis Granderson all hit from the left side. Cody Ross would fit
this mold and has been tied to New York this offseason.
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