Report: Yankees Showing Interest In Free Agent Jhonny Peralta
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The way the Yankees see it, Jhonny Peralta could fill many roles.
The veteran shortstop apparently has the Bombers' attention, according to FoxSports.com.
Peralta, 31, also has experience at third base and in the outfield, making that kind of versatility quite attractive to a team with nothing but age at those positions.
According to CBSSports.com and WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees reached an agreement with defensive specialist Brendan Ryan on Monday to back up Derek Jeter at short. Peralta could also be used there and to spell third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who is 38, coming off several surgeries and facing a 211-game suspension.
New York is also currently looking to upgrade right-field and has 37-year-old Alfonso Soriano in left. Soriano still has a great bat, but his skills defensively have diminished over the years.
Peralta hit .303 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI last season for Detroit, but was also suspended 50 games for his role in the Biogenesis scandal, so in a lot of ways he has a lot to prove to potential suitors.
A career .268 hitter who has surpassed 20 home runs four times in 11 seasons, Peralta also is reportedly high on the Mets' wish list. He met with them last week in Orlando, Fla., sight of the GM meetings.
Peralta is believed to be looking for a three-year deal for upwards of $45 million, according to reports.
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