The New York Yankees have found a new third baseman in former foe Kevin Youkilis.
FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Yankees signed the free agent to a one-year deal worth $12 million.
To clarify on Youkilis and #Yankees: Two sides in agreement, one year, $12M. Deal almost certainly pending physical.
—Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2012
The story was subsequently confirmed by ESPNNewYork, who reported Youkilis will leave the Chicago White Sox for the Big Apple.
Youkilis is a former Gold Glove winner, who can play either first or third. He has career 162-game averages of .283 batting with 23 home runs and 96 RBI.
Youkilis is coming off a down year in 2012, hitting a combined .235 with 19 home runs and 60 RBI between stints with Chicago and the Boston Red Sox. However, he will play a major role with the Yankees in 2013. He’s replacing Alex Rodriguez, who is expected to miss at least the first half of the upcoming season due to offseason hip surgery.
Having spent the first eight-plus seasons of his career playing for the Yankees archrivals, New York fans have been used to booing Youkilis. However, once they see what the veteran brings to their team, he should quickly become a fan favorite.
Click through to see five reasons why Kevin Youkilis will be instantly loved by New York Yankee fans.