Yanks, Johnson make one-year deal official
Eight-year veteran primarily a second baseman but can also play third and left field
NEW YORK -- The Yankees on Friday announced a one-year contract with free-agent infielder Kelly Johnson.
The New York Post reported Wednesday that Johnson's contract is expected to be worth $2.75 million to $3 million. Johnson could slot in as an option at second base now that the Yankees have lost free agent Robinson Cano to a reported deal with the Mariners, and could provide backup at several other positions.
Johnson, who turns 32 in February, batted .235 with a .305 on-base percentage and .410 slugging percentage in 118 games for the Rays this past season, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 52 runs.
Primarily a second baseman, the left-handed-hitting Johnson has also seen time in left field, at third base and first base. He could be used to fill in at third base if any portion of Alex Rodriguez's 211-game suspension is upheld.
The eight-year big league veteran owns a lifetime .253 batting average. He has also played with the Braves, D-backs and Blue Jays.