Instead of trading for high profile second baseman Brandon Phillips and taking on his remaining $50 million salary, the Yankees have gone the cheaper route. They’ve agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million plus incentives with Brian Roberts, according to FOX Sports’ John Morosi. Ken Rosenthal had reported last night that the Yankees were indeed “likely” to sign the veteran.
Roberts, 36, was a free agent coming off of a four-year, $40 million extension with the Baltimore Orioles – the only team he’s ever played for; the O’s drafted him 50th overall in the 1999 amateur draft. Over the last four years, Roberts played in just 192 games, with a slash line of .246/.310/.359. He was sidelined for significant amounts of time with an abdominal strain, two concussions, hip surgery and hamstring surgery.
Prior to that, Roberts was a premier second baseman, having been named to two all-star teams (2005, ’07). From 2003-2009, he averaged a slash line of .288/.362/.430 with 11 homers, 59 RBI and 43 doubles. However, with his injury history and increasing age, Roberts’ best days are behind him. The Yankees hope that for such a cheap price, he can have a bounce back year.
Rosenthal reported that since Roberts’ deal is so inexpensive, it will allow the Yankees to continue shopping for infield options. He notes that Mark Reynolds is still in play, and even mentions that the Yanks have talked to the Mariners about trading for Dustin Ackley.
Regardless, the Yankees lost one of the most durable players in the game in Robbie Cano, and have signed one of the most fragile to man second base.
Brian Roberts and Yankees have agreement for 1-year deal worth around $2 million plus incentives, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 17, 2013
