New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - The New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to a deal with free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. According to the New York Times, which quoted a source close to the negotiations, Teixeira has agreed to an eight-year, $180 million contract that includes a signing bonus and no-trade clause. The 28-year-old switch-hitter batted a combined .308 with 33 home runs and 121 RBI in 157 games with the Braves and Angels in 2008. Coming on the heels of the twin signings of free agent hurlers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to hefty contracts last week, the deal for Teixeira continues the Yankees' apparent commitment to making a big splash in the American League as well as their new stadium in 2009. The total for the three players is now $423.5 million. Sabathia signed for $161 million over seven years, while Burnett's package is for five seasons and $82.5 million. Not only that, but the Yankees already had two of the highest-paid players in the majors on their team with third baseman Alex Rodriguez at $275 million over 10 seasons and shortstop Derek Jeter at $189 million over 10 years. A native of Maryland who played collegiately at Georgia Tech, Teixeira was the fifth-overall pick of the Texas Rangers in the 2001 draft. Over a six-year career with three teams, the 2005 All-Star selection and two- time AL Gold Glove winner is a .290 hitter with 203 homers, 676 RBI and 223 doubles over 904 contests. |
