Yankees Finalize 1-Year, $1.1M Contract With Raul Ibanez
TAMPA, Fla. (WFAN/AP) -- Raul Ibanez and the Yankees have finalized a $1.1 million, one-year contract.
The deal was announced Tuesday, one day after the sides reached agreement. It includes $2.9 million in performance bonuses.
The 39-year-old spent the past three seasons in Philadelphia, where he hit .245 with 20 home runs and 84 RBIs in 2011. 16 home runs and 60 RBIs came against righties last season.
"He's a guy that's hit right-handers very well over his career, can still play the outfield," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Monday. "Has been a productive player if you look over the last 10 years."
With a swing that seems tailored to the short right-field at Yankee Stadium, Ibanez is expected to be the Yankees' primary designated hitter against right-handed starting pitchers. New York decided on him over Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, who also are free agents.
New York also has an offer out to re-sign backup infielder Eric Chavez.
Yankees fans, what do you expect from Ibanez in 2012? Sound off below...
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