NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Youkilis is leaving the major leagues after an injury plagued season and heading to Japan.
The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan’s Pacific League, agent Joe Bick said Friday.
Youkilis, a 34-year-old first baseman and third baseman, will have a $4 million base salary and can earn $1 million bonuses — including some based on walks, a provision not allowed in major league contracts.
After nine seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Youkilis signed a $12 million, one-year deal with the New York Yankees. But a back injury limited him to 28 games, and his season ended June 13.
