Journeyman outfielder Chris Denorfia has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Yankees that includes an invitation to spring training and an opt-out clause if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.
Denorfia’s production has slipped in his mid-30s, but if spotted mostly versus left-handed pitching he’s still a useful backup outfielder. Last season for the Cubs he hit .269 with three homers and a .691 OPS in 103 games while seeing time in all three outfield spots.
New York’s starting outfield of Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Carlos Beltran is set and the Yankees acquired Aaron Hicks from the Twins this offseason to serve as the primary backup, so Denorfia’s odds of making the roster aren’t great.