Yankees Land Big Prize Teixeira: 8 Years, $180M

New York swoops in to keep first baseman away from rival Red Sox

By Will McCahill, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2008 4:18 PM CST

(Newser) – The New York Yankees snatched the off-season’s biggest remaining free-agent prize away from their rivals today, agreeing with first baseman Mark Teixeira on an 8-year contract worth about $180 million, the Post reports. The Boston Red Sox were thought to have had the inside track on the 28-year-old switch-hitter, who’s both an offensive force and a solid defensive player.

The Yankees, set to move into a new stadium for the 2009 season, have now spent nearly $425 million on three free-agent pickups; they added pitchers CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett two weeks ago. The Red Sox and two teams based near Teixeira’s Maryland home—the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles—had similar offers on the table.

Mark Teixeira has won a Gold Glove for his defensive work at first base in addition to being an extremely productive offensive player. (AP Photo)

Mark Teixeira was traded to the Los Angeles Angels during last season; he's also played for the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. (AP Photo)

The New York Yankees have agreed to a deal with first baseman Mark Teixeira worth $180 million over 8 years. (AP Photo)

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Yankees Land Big Prize Teixeira: 8 Years, $180M

New York swoops in to keep first baseman away from rival Red Sox

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New York swoops in to keep first baseman away from rival Red Sox

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Boston Red Sox • New York Yankees • Baltimore Orioles • Mark Teixeira • Washington Nationals • AJ Burnett • CC Sabathia

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Yankees' Bank Finally Defeats the System

We're all tired of talking about NY payroll, but it stifles baseball hope

Yankees Take Scorn for (Gasp!) Spending Money

Yankees Are Doing There Job, Filling Stadiums, In It To WIn

MLB's Midterm Report Cards

Rays at the head of the class—Rockies, Marlins at the back

Phillies Survive, Force Game 6

Philadelphia jumps on Burnett early, holds off late threat

Yankees Win 3-1, Pull Even

New York finds just enough offense against Phillies' Martinez

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