Yankees picking up Ibanez for $1.1 million

The New York Yankees and Raul Ibanez reached agreement on a one-year contract contingent on the designated hitter-outfielder passing a physical. The New York Daily News and MLB.com reported the 39-year-old Ibanez will be paid $1.1 million once he clears the health-status hurdle. MLB.com said Ibanez's contract will include incentives that would boost his base pay. The News said the Yankees project Ibanez as a left-swinging DH and providing the team with flexibility in the outfield. Ibanez hit .245 with 20 home runs and 84 RBI in 134 games last season when he played for Philadelphia. His career marks in 16 seasons with Seattle, Kansas City and Philadelphia include a .280 batting average, 252 homers and 1,054 RBI. MLB.com said New York still holds an interest in re-signing Eric Chavez, 34, who hit .263 with two homes and 26 RBI in 58 games for the Yankees in 2011. Chavez would be kept as a backup corner infielder, the sports Web site said.