Eric Chavez Set to Sign with Diamondbacks – one year $3 Million

Chavez hit 16 home runs for New York last season

If the New York Yankees had any thoughts of bringing third baseman Eric Chavez back to New York to fill in for Alex Rodriguez, they will need to look elsewhere.

Chavez, who hit .281/.349/.496 with the Yankees in 2012 is set to sign  a one-year $3 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Chavez is expected to platoon with Chris Johnson at third base. Chavez can also play first base.

The Yankees continue to look for a stopgap for A-Rod who will need 4 to 6 months of recovery from his second hip surgery.

Jeff Keppinger signed earlier today with the Chicago White Sox. The Yankees were said to be very interested in Keppinger.

Chavez who will be 35 when the season starts, hit 16 home runs for New York last season in 278 at-bats.