Yankees Re-Sign Infielder Eric Chavez

The New York Yankees today announced they have re-signed six-time Gold Glove Award-winning infielder Eric Chavez to a one-year Major League contract.

Chavez, 34, batted .263 (42-for-160) with 16 runs, seven doubles, two home runs and 26 RBI in his first season with the Yankees in 2011.  He was limited to 58 games (42 games at third base, seven games at designated hitter and three games at first base) after missing nearly three months with a left foot fracture (May 6-July 25).  He did not make an error during the regular season, making him the only player to appear in at least 40 games at third base without a miscue in 2011.  Additionally, Chavez batted .415 (17-for-41) with 22 RBI with runners in scoring position, marking the highest such batting average by a Yankee last season (minimum 40AB with RISP).

A 14-year Major League veteran, Chavez has appeared in 1,378 combined games with Oakland (1998-2010) and the Yankees (2011). He owns a .267 (1,318-for-4,943) career batting average with 289 doubles, 21 triples, 232 home runs and 813 RBI.  Along with San Francisco’s Aubrey Huff (241 HR), is one of just two active players to hit at least 200 home runs without ever having been selected to an All-Star team.

The Los Angeles, California native was originally was selected by the Athletics in the first round of the 1996 First-Year Player Draft.  His defense garnered him six consecutive Gold Glove Awards at third base with the A’s from 2001-06, tied with Buddy Bell for the second-most awards by an American Leaguer at the position behind Brooks Robinson (16).  In 2006, he set an Oakland record for fielding percentage by a third baseman with a .987 mark.

In an additional roster move, the Yankees placed RHP David Aardsma on the 60-day disabled list.  The Yankees’ 40-man roster currently stands at 39 players.