Pedro Feliciano is moving across town, agreeing in principle to a deal with the Yankees.
The two-year, $8 million contract is pending a physical, which is not a formality in the Yankees’ view because of the heavy workload the 34-year-old has carried with the Mets since 2006. The contract also has a club option for a third year.
Feliciano confirmed the deal to ESPN.com, telling the website, “I think it was a good thing to stay in New York. I mean, that’s the best city in the States.”
Feliciano was not scheduled to undergo a physical Friday, which could push the announcement of the deal into next week.
This potential signing fills a need for the Yankees, who relied on Boone Logan as their only lefty out of the pen at the end of last season. The Yankees also pursued free agent Brian Fuentes, but he was asking for three years and $15 million, a price the Yankees felt was too high for this role.
Feliciano spent eight seasons over nine years with the Mets, and became the team’s most trustworthy reliever. That led to a ton of work for Feliciano, who has appeared in 408 games since 2006, the most in the major leagues. He has led the majors in appearances in each of the past three seasons.
The Yankees did not pick Feliciano over Fuentes only because of the difference in asking price, but also because Feliciano has proven he can succeed in New York.
Among left-handed pitchers since 2006, Feliciano has the second lowest batting average against versus left-handers in the majors, at .209 (minimum 600 plate appearances). Interestingly, Oliver Perez is tops with .197.