The Yankees added outfield depth yesterday, signing veteran Matt Diaz to a minor-league deal.
Throughout his 10-year career Diaz has been a solid right-handed bat, something the Yankees desperately need. If Diaz makes the club, the one-year deal is worth $1.2 million with an additional $800,000 in incentives, according to reports.
Brian Cashman has been searching for outfield depth this winter and because of financial restrictions the general manager’s options have been limited. This could be a low-cost solution.
Diaz is thrilled about the chance to wind up in the Yankees outfield as he tweeted: “I’m very excited and thankful to be goin(g) to camp with the Yankees! This little boy’s dream come true!!!!’’
The Yankees starting outfield is Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Ichiro Suzuki. The Yankees had no interest in keeping Nick Swisher, who signed a four-year, $56 million deal with the Indians. The Yankees still have an interest in signing another outfielder and remain interested in Scott Hairston.
Diaz, who turns 35 in March, is a lifetime .291 hitter. He struggled last season, batting .222 with two home runs in only 108 at-bats because of a right thumb injury that required surgery. He has had thumb issues for several years, dating back to a backyard injury at his Lakeland, Fla. home where he was clearing land and was jabbed by a palm frond that left a splinter.
If Diaz can produce against lefties the way he has throughout most of his career, he will be a step up from Andruw Jones, who was the right-handed hitting outfielder last season. Jones, who has signed to play in Japan this season, hit only .197 last season with 14 home runs. Against left-handers, Jones batted .202.
Diaz batted .269 vs. left-handers last season, but over the course of his career is a .324 hitter in 1,026 at-bats against left-handers. Over the last three seasons, Diaz has hit only .250 overall. He has only nine home runs the last three seasons. In 2009 he hit 13 homers.
Diaz had two stints with the Braves over seven years. During his time with Atlanta he was a .299 hitter. He has not played in the American League since 2005 with the Royals.