The Yankees reportedly expressed interest in Vernon Wells at the winter meetings, and it now looks as if they’re on the verge of landing the high-priced outfielder.
According to Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan, the Yankees and Angels are closing in on a trade that would send Wells and a large amount of cash to New York.
It’s important to note that Wells has a no-trade clause, although the 34-year-old reportedly has let the Angels know that he will accept the deal. Passan reports that the two teams are crossing T’s and dotting I’s at this point, and that the deal will soon become official.
What’s unclear, however, is how much money the Angels will be sending along with Wells. The underachieving veteran is set to make $42 million over the next two seasons, so it’s reasonable to assume they’ll be sending over a good chunk of change. Passan said via Twitter, however, that he’s hearing that the amount of money going back to New York is not nearly as significant as one might think.
According to Passan, one Yankees official said, “I just wonder where this money was in December.”
Wells certainly hasn’t lived up to the massive seven-year, $126 million contract extension he signed while with the Blue Jays prior to the 2007 season. The three-time All-Star has been selected to one All-Star Game since inking the new deal, and he’s been very underwhelming during the last two seasons with Los Angeles.
Wells hit .230 with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs in 77 games with the Angels last season. He became even more expendable when the Halos signed Josh Hamilton earlier this offseason.
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Photo via Wikipedia/Vernon Wells
