The Yankees have announced that they have signed nine players to minor league contracts with an invite to spring training, which ups their total to 26.
These players include right-hander Bruce Billings, infielder Russ Canzler, right-hander Robert Coello, right-hander Brian Gordon, right-hander Chris Leroux, outfielder Antoan Richardson, infielder Scott Sizemore, infielder Yangervis Solarte and infielder Zelous Wheeler.
The Yankees have confirmed that they are in agreement with free-agent pitcher Masahiro Tanka with a deal that will earn him $155 million over 7 years. An opt out clause can be exercised after the 2017 season. The deal comes just two days before the scheduled deadline that Tanaka has to sign with a big league club.
Tanaka posted a 24-0 record with a 1.27 ERA last season with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
With the Yankees securing Tanaka, their rotation just got a lot deeper than it was 24 hours ago. Tanaka will likely be the number two or three starter in the rotation behind Sabathia and Kuroda.