|
Austin, 34, signed a one-year deal with Chicago after spending
six seasons with Yokohama in Japan's Pacific League. He was
competing for playing time at designated hitter and also can
play first base and the outfield.
Austin was selected by the New York Yankees in the 2010 amateur
draft and on Aug. 13, 2016, combined Aaron Judge to become the
first teammates to homer in their first major league at-bats in
the same game.
Austin also played for Minnesota, Seattle and Milwaukee. and has
hit .219 with 33 homers in four seasons in the majors. He was
part of the 2021 U.S. Olympic team.
His contract, agreed to on Dec. 18, calls for a $1.2 million
salary while in the major leagues and $400,000 while in the
minors. Austin could earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for
plate appearances: $50,000 for 175 and each additional 25
through 400.
His injury could create an opening for Michael Conforto to earn
a bench spot on the team after Conforto agreed to a minor league
deal on Monday.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
