Kevin Youkilis Set to Play in Japan Next Season
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Robert Rogers/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Kevin Youkilis wants to play just one more season, but it will not be in the major leagues.
The 34-year-old Youkilis has agreed to a one-year contract with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan, his agent Joe Bick confirmed last week.
“He’s looking at this as a terrific life experience for his family,” Bick said. “There were a number of opportunities and inquiries and conversations that took place here [in the U.S.]. But in the final analysis, this is what the family decided they wanted to do.”
The contract is reportedly worth $4 million, but Youkilis can earn an additional $1 million in bonuses.
Youkilis is a three-time All-Star and a .281 career hitter in 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. He underwent back surgery last June and was limited to just 28 games in his only season with the Yankees.
He is expected to play both first and third base for Rakuten.
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