The New York Yankees have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with free-agent Travis Hafner that guarantees the veteran $2 million. The deal includes incentives. Hafner, 35, batted .228 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs in 64 games for the Indians last season. Hafner fills a void left by Raul Ibanez who signed with the Seattle Mariners earlier this off-season.
Hafner made $13 million last year and was bought out with a $2.75 million team option by the Indians. Hafner has been besieged by injuries throughout his career. Over the last five seasons after has played in more than 100 games only once. Hafner will likely be used as a platoon designated hitter against right-handed pitchers.
The Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman had been seeking to add a DH. The Yankees generally like to use their DH spot to rotate regulars such as Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira to give them partial days off from the field. Providing he can stay healthy Yankee Stadium may offer an opportunity for the veteran slugger to rejuvenate his career. the Yankees have acquired right-handed hitting outfielders Matt Diaz, Russ Canzler and Juan Rivera this offseason.
