Bronx, NY (My Sportsbook) - The New York Yankees unveiled their latest high- priced free agent on Tuesday, as they finalized their eight-year deal with first baseman Mark Teixeira. The contract, which was agreed to back on December 23, is believed to be worth $180 million and also reportedly includes a signing bonus and no-trade clause. Teixeira batted a combined .308 with 33 home runs and 121 RBI in 157 games with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2008. Coming on the heels of the twin signings of free agent hurlers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to hefty contracts earlier this offseason, 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, the 28-year-old 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.
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