Yankees acquire Alfonso Soriano from Cubs

The Yankees have released the following statement after acquiring outfielder Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs for minor league Corey Black.

The New York Yankees today announced they acquired outfielder Alfonso Soriano and cash consideration from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Corey Black.

Soriano, 37, hit .254 (92-for-362) with 47 runs, 24 doubles, 17 home runs and 51 RBI in 93 games with the Cubs in 2013. He owns a .272 (1,989-for-7,305) career batting average with 1,093 runs, 458 doubles, 31 triples, 389 home runs and 1,086 RBI in 1,850 games over 15 Major League seasons with the Yankees (1999-2003), Texas Rangers (2004-05), Washington Nationals (2006) and Chicago Cubs (2007-13). His 54 career leadoff home runs trail only Rickey Henderson (81) for most in Major League history.

The San Pedro de Macoris, D.R., native was named to the All-Star team in seven consecutive seasons, playing for the American League from 2002-05 and the National League from 2006-08. He has also earned the Silver Slugger Award four times, once with the Yankees (2002), twice with Texas (2004-05) and once with the Nationals (2006). 

The Yankees hope Soriano will provide a spark to their offense and help them reach the playoffs.