New York Yankees Agree to 1-Year Deal with LF Raul Ibanez
The New York Yankees continue to be very active this offseason, as they have now picked up left fielder Raul Ibanez.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, Ibanez and the Yankees have agreed to a one-year deal "worth around $1 million plus incentives."
On Sunday, the Yankees finalized a trade that sent pitcher A.J. Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor leaguers.
Not long after, the Yankees find a solid hitter that will contribute in the field some but also provide power to the designated hitter spot.
Olney's report also states that "the Yankees were to receive $5 million in salary relief from Pittsburgh this year that they could use in part to sign Ibanez."
The left fielder will turn 40 this coming season, and the Yankees are hopeful he doesn't continue on a downward spiral.
Over the last few seasons, Ibanez's production has dropped. New York needs him to be better than his .245 batting average from last year.
Ibanez will mostly face right-handed pitchers, which could benefit the aging baseball player. Focusing on hitting could help his numbers climb back up.
