New York Yankees and Nick Swisher Close to Minor League Deal

The New York Yankees and ex-Yankees’ first baseman Nick Swisher are rumored to be close to agreeing on a minor league deal.  Swisher was an integral part of the 2009 New York Yankees championship team, and will look to resurrect his career in New York if signed.

After signing a four-year, $56 million deal with the Cleveland Indians, Swisher’s production fell off greatly, batting just .224 with Cleveland over three seasons.  He was then traded to the Atlanta Braves, but was released earlier this Spring due to injuries and lackluster performance.

Swisher has been working out at the Yankees’ training facility in Tampa, Florida and is expected to sign a minor league deal with New York.

It is likely the Yankees bring on Swisher as a back-up first baseman and outfielder.  He played well with the Yankees, batting .267 with 105 home-runs and 349 RBI over four seasons.  He remains positive he can provide for the Yankees again.

In a conversation with the Associated Press, Swisher showed his gratitude in the ability to workout for the Yankees.  “The fact they let me come out here and work is great,” he stated.  “It keeps me in the game, keeps me going strong, and I appreciate that.  This place is like family.”

Greg Bird, who took over first base in 2015 when Mark Teixeira‘s season came to an end, was lost to season-ending shoulder surgery this Spring.  The Yankees currently employ the unreliable Dustin Ackley at that back-up position currently.  There are far too many questions regarding Ackley’s performance both offensively and defensively, so signing another player for depth or insurance would not be a bad idea for the Yankees.

It wouldn’t even be a guarantee Swisher ends up in pinstripes.  The Yankees will likely want to see him perform at the Triple-A level and get a sense of his durability.  Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News also reports a possible opt-out clause:

Swisher isn’t going to be the slugger he was previously in New York, but he is already being paid $15 million by both the Indians and Braves to not play for them, so why not take a shot at a cheap deal with him?  You can never have too much depth, especially with a player in a utility role.  Not to mention he is a great clubhouse guy.  Hopefully Swisher still has a little bit left in the tank, and rejoining the Yankees will give him a sense of urgency.