Yankees Rumors: New York “Unlikely” to Sign Hiroyuki Nakajima
By Editorial Staff
Marc Carig of the Star Ledger is reporting that the New York Yankees are unlikely to sign Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima. The Yankees and Nakajima have until Friday evening to reach an agreement, and the sides were reportedly still far apart in negotiations earlier this week.
The Yankees were the surprise winners of the Nakajima bidding last month, posting an offer of $2.5 million for the rights to negotiate with the Japanese native.
Some scouts believe Nakajima could be a starting major league shortstop, noting that the 29-year-old has the potential to hit in the .270-.280 range while playing solid defense.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are set when it comes to middle infielders and view Nakajima more as a backup. While they do like his makeup, New York is only willing to pay Nakajima as a reserve. This has caused Carig’s sources to believe a deal is unlikely.
What further complicates an agreement is the pending physical that would be required before a signing could become official. Carig notes that, “not only must the Yankees and Nakajima agree to terms” by Friday, but the infielder “must also pass a physical” before the deadline.
Some have speculated that this case calls for a sign-and-trade, which would allow Nakajima to play for a team other than the Yankees in 2012 rather than return to Japan for another season. However, this would only complicate matters and require even more time, something both sides are running out of.
If the Yankees and Nakajima don’t reach an agreement, New York’s posting fee would be returned and Nakajima would have to head back to Japan for another season. Nakajima could then hit the market next offseason as an unrestricted international free agent.
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