Vernon Wells already has turned the page.
Wells was designated for assignment by the New York Yankees on Friday, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. The 35-year-old outfielder then hopped on Twitter to thank the Yankees for giving him an opportunity to play for such a storied franchise.
[tweet https://twitter.com/VernonWells10/status/421705912563163136 align=’center’]
The Yankees acquired Wells from the Los Angeles Angels last offseason in a move that offered the Halos some salary relief. New York reportedly assumed $13.9 million of the $42 million owed to Wells for 2013 and 2014, with the outfielder waiving his no-trade clause to join the Bronx Bombers.
Wells signed a seven-year, $126 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006. To say he hasn’t lived up to his price tag would be a gross understatement. Wells had a few mediocre seasons in Toronto under his new deal before having a solid campaign in 2010. The Angels apparently liked what they saw that season, as Los Angeles decided to send Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera to Toronto for Wells while also assuming most of the veteran’s remaining contract.
Wells hit .233 with 11 home runs, 50 RBIs and a .282 on-base percentage in 130 games in his only season in pinstripes. The Yankees reportedly designated Wells for assignment because they needed to make room on their 40-man roster for Brian Roberts and Matt Thornton.
Wells is owed $21 million in 2014. The Angels are on the hook for $18.6 million, while the Yankees are slated to pay $2.4 million.
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Photo via Twitter/@ronaldorivero8
