Brennan Boesch Signs Major League Deal With New York Yankees

September 1, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Brennan Boesch (26) at bat against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Multiple news outlets are reporting that Brennan Boesch, recently released by the Detroit Tigers, has agreed to terms with the New York Yankees on a one-year contract. From the New York Post:

"Former Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch signed a major league deal yesterday to compete for an outfield spot.[snip]Boesch, who has an option remaining, would make $1.5 million if he makes the team. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Yankees placed Michael Pineda on the 60-day disabled list."

According to Jon Heyman, the deal also includes up to $600 thousand in incentives should Boesch meet certain plate appearance thresholds.

The fact that he received “only” $1.5 million as a free agent shows why the Tigers had no luck in finding a trade partner for him. Boesch’s arbitration-avoiding deal with the Tigers would have paid him $2.3 million so, in order for the Tigers to trade him, they would have been asked to eat more of the money than they ultimately had to by releasing him (just under $400 thousand).

Boesch, I believe, will still collect his one-sixth salary from the Tigers in addition to his Yankees deal, so he has a chance to earn a slightly larger sum now than he could have had he remained in the Tigers’ organization (should he reach his incentive targets).

The Yankees need an infusion of power in their lineup and, with the injury to Curtis Granderson, they could use an extra outfielder, so Boesch will be given every opportunity to succeed early in the season. And, with that short right field porch in Yankee Stadium, there’s a decent chance he does.