3:13pm: The deal guarantees Hafner $2MM or so, Ken Davidoff of the New York
Post reports (on Twitter).
1:38pm: The Yankees have a deal in place with Travis Hafner, Chad Jennings of
the Journal News reports. The deal could be announced later today or
tomorrow, once contract language has been finalized. Terms of the deal aren’
t known, though Jennings suggests it’ll be a one-year contract in the $1.1MM
range. Hafner, a client of the Legacy Agency, will obtain a Major League
deal, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
The Yankees plan to use Hafner as a platoon designated hitter who only plays
against right-handers, Jennings writes. Hafner, a left-handed hitter, has a
career batting line of .287/.391/.534 against right-handed pitching.
Hafner hit free agency after the Indians chose a $2.75MM buyout over a $13MM
option earlier in the offseason. The 35-year-old hit .228/.346/.438 with 12
home runs in 263 plate appearances for Cleveland last year.
Hafner has averaged only 85 games a season over the past five years due of
injuries. Despite his past health issues, he drew interest from the Indians
this winter. Rob Bradford of WEEI.com first reported the Yankees could be
nearing a deal with Hafner.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/01/yankees-to-sign-travis-hafner.html