In desperate need of some pop in their flat lineup, the Yankees are close to acquiring outfielder and former Bronx Bomber Alfonso Soriano from the Chicago Cubs, according to George King.
The Cubs would pay the majority of Soriano’s salary – $25M or so through next season. Similar to what the Yankees did with Vernon Wells, Soriano’s contract would be structured in such a way that it would have no affect on the ’14 payroll – a major concern for the organization. King also says the Yankees would send a mid-level prospect back to the Cubs.
Soriano, 37, spent six years in pinstripes from 1998-2003. He hit .284 with 98 homers and 270 RBIs over that span before getting traded to the Texas Rangers for, of course, Alex Rodriguez. He spent two years in the Lonestar State before a stop in Washington, and then ultimately in Chicago. This season, Soriano is hitting .259 with 17 homers, 51 RBIs and has a .289 OBP in 91 games. He would automatically represent a major upgrade in the Yankees lineup even though his best years are behind him.
Soriano has a full no-trade clause in his contract, but would most definitely not block a deal that would send him back to the organization he came up with. General Manager Brian Cashman refused to comment on the situation after the Yankees’ Monday night loss to the Rangers.
