Yankees, Hiroyuki Nakajima Unable To Reach Deal
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Yankees announced Thursday that they were unable to agree to contract terms and will pass on signing Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima.
"We unfortunately could not come to an agreement with Hiroyuki," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a statement. "We wish him the best of luck during the upcoming 2012 season."
New York won exclusive rights to negotiate with Nakajima last month through MLB's posting system. The team won't be on the hook for their $2.5 million bid.
Nakajima hit .297 with 16 home runs and 100 RBI last season as a member of the Seibu Lions.
The Yankees' announcement came more than a day early. The team had until 5 p.m. ET on Friday to agree to a deal with the shortstop.
According to WFAN's Jon Heyman, re-signing Eric Chavez "will be next up" for the Yankees in their search for infield help.
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