TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Yankees finalized a $1.1 million, one-year contract with Raul Ibanez and reached a $900,000, one-year deal to keep Eric Chavez.
Ibanez’s deal, announced Tuesday, includes $2.9 million in performance bonuses.
A 39-year-old outfielder who played with Philadelphia the previous three seasons, Ibanez hit .245 last year with 20 homers and 84 RBIs. He is expected to become the Yankees’ main designated hitter against right-handed starters.
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Ibanez’s performance bonuses are based on plate appearances: $50,000 each for 50, 75, 100 and 125; $100,000 apiece for 150, 175, 200 and 225; $150,000 each for 250, 275 and 300; $200,000 for 325 and each additional 25 through 500; and $250,000 for 525.
He has exceeded 525 plate appearances in seven straight seasons.
In addition, the Yankees reached a preliminary agreement with Chavez, a backup infielder who hit .263 with two homers and 26 RBIs last year for New York. The six-time Gold Glove winner broke a bone in his left foot on May 5 after just 17 games and didn’t return until July 26.
His deal is subject to a physical.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
