Yankees add depth at first base with Choi
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NEW YORK -- The Yankees have added some depth to their upcoming first-base competition, signing Ji-Man Choi to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The Yanks have not officially announced the signing.
Choi, who turns 26 in May, batted .170 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in 54 games for the Angels last season. He was designated for assignment in December and opted for free agency.
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Heading into camp, the Yankees expect to have Greg Bird and Tyler Austin as the primary contenders for playing time at first base, and manager Joe Girardi has spoken about the possibility of both players making the club as part of a platoon.
If Choi makes the Major League roster, he will earn a base salary of $700,000, according to the Yonhap News Agency.
Choi's representatives told the news outlet that he received offers from 10 clubs, including the Brewers, Reds and Cardinals, but opted to sign with the Yanks, who showed interest in him last offseason.