Free agent Mark Reynolds agreed to terms with the Indians last night, a development that increases the likelihood of Kevin Youkilis joining the Yankees.
The Yankees had regarded Reynolds, 29, as an option to fill in for the injured Alex Rodriguez at third base, whereas the Indians were speaking with Youkilis, who turns 34 in March, about playing first base for them. The pairing of Reynolds with the Indians — for what MLB.com reported was a one-year, $6-million contract — therefore gives the Yankees one less choice at third base and gives Youkilis, a free agent, one fewer choice for an employer.
Last week, the Yankees made Youkilis a one-year, $12-million offer for 2013 with the hopes the high-dollar amount and juice of Northeast baseball would allay Youkilis’ concerns over the agreement’s short term.
Youkilis spent the weekend in the Boston area, hosting a fundraiser for his Youk’s Kids foundation. He’s planning to attend tonight’s Texans-Patriots game so he can watch his brother-in-law, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, in person. Youkilis is married to Brady’s sister Julie.