A reigning home-run champion stood on the unemployment line with spring training on the horizon, and the Yankees pounced.
The Yankees were on the verge Tuesday afternoon of finalizing a one-year, $3 million contract with free agent Chris Carter, The Post confirmed.
Carter, 30, hit 41 homers for Milwaukee last season to tie Nolan Arenado for the National League lead. The right-hander also hit .222 with 206 strikeouts and played poor defense at first base, and with a projected $8 million salary coming through the arbitration/service-time process, the Brewers did not want to commit that figure to him, nor did they find a team willing to trade something for the right to do so. Hence the Brewers non-tendered Carter, making him a free agent.
“We’ve been in touch with several players, discussing several concepts,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had said earlier Tuesday.
The Yankees’ depth chart at first base features young lefty Greg Bird, coming off major shoulder surgery, as the starter with backup from Tyler Austin or designated hitter Matt Holliday, who has limited experience at the position. Carter, who bats righty, could be a platoon option against left-handers.
The Post’s Joel Sherman has noted the budget constraints that have limited Cashman’s efforts late in this offseason to add bullpen help, which are amplified by the luxury tax. The Yankees will owe between 50 cents and 62 cents in tax for every dollar they spend, as punishment for being above the $195 million threshold (and possibly into the $215 million-$235 million range).
Carter’s $3 million salary therefore would cost the Yankees at least $4.5 million.