The Yankees are on the brink of signing Kelly Johnson to a one-year contract for between $2.75 million and $3 million, The Post has learned.
Johnson’s primary position in the majors has been second base. So, he provides some insurance if Robinson Cano does leave. He is not considered a strong defender there, however, and the Yankees are hoping Cano returns and Johnson is deployed around the diamond. He has started games at first, third and left field, as well.
The Yankees recognize lack of depth was a problem last season and are trying to deepen their bench, and Johnson would provide not just some versatility, but lefty pop. He has hit 16 homers in each of the past two seasons, both times in the AL East, for the Blue Jays and then the Rays. Johnson, who turns 32 in February, hit .235 last season with a .715 OPS.
Johnson is a lefty who generally hits lefties well, having produced a career .770 OPS against southpaws compared to .759 vs. righties.