Russell Wilson — yep, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson — is en route to Tampa, Fla. to join the New York Yankees for about a week of spring training, and he’s coming with a challenge.
The 29-year-old was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010, played a bit in the low minors, and since being traded from the Rockies to the Texas Rangers, he now technically is a member of the Yankees after a trade to New York from the Rangers earlier in the month.
He committed to taking part in a week of spring training, and is set to participate in workouts beginning Monday.
And in those workouts, he’s hoping to show off his power a little bit by challenging Yankees sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to a home run derby.
The two-sport talent took to Instagram to let people know he was headed down south and was ready to go.
“I can’t wait to see you guys Feb. 26,” Wilson said in the post, as transcribed by ESPN. “We’re going to have some fun for that week. Hey, Aaron Judge, I know you want to throw some passes, so let’s play some ball. We’ll have a little home run derby too. Stanton, I’m coming for you too. We’ll have some fun, baby. And hey — let’s go win a World Series. Why not? Peace.”
Wilson, a second baseman, only has hit five career home runs in the minors (over 93 games), so we’re not optimistic that he will win that battle.
And it sounds like the Yankees are excited to have him. New York GM Brian Cashman was gushing over the impending presence of Wilson, who is expected to be with the team until March 3.
“After talking to a number of our players, there is a genuine excitement in having Russell join us for a short time in camp,” Cashman said to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. “We are all looking forward to gaining insight into how he leads teammates toward a common goal, prepares on a daily basis for the rigors of his sport and navigates the successes and failures of a season.”
Should be an interesting week down at Yankees camp.
