Kevin Youkilis reaches agreement with Yankees – One-year $12 Million

Youkilis will join the Yankees for 2013

The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with free-agent Kevin Youkilis on a one-year deal worth $12 million, pending a physical. Youkilis was thought to be weighing a decision about whether to join the Cleveland Indians or the Yankees.

The Indians had previously offered Youkilis a two-year deal worth $18 million, but withdrew the offer on Sunday after signing Mark Reynolds to a one-year contract worth $6 million.

Youkilis would have been reunited with former Red Sox skipper Terry Francona with the Indians.

Youkilis, 33, hit a combined .235 with 19 home runs and 60 RBI for the Red Sox and White Sox last season and would likely fill in for the injured Alex Rodriguez who is expected to miss 4 to 6 months with hip surgery.

The Yankees had reportedly been interested in Jeff Keppinger who signed a three-year $12 million deal with the Chicago White Sox last week.

Last year the Yankees used veteran Eric Chavez at third base, but Chavez became a free agent after this season and signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $3 million.

The Yankees have maintained cost-cutting measures throughout the off-season and appeared to be committed to lowering their payroll below $189 million before 2014.

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