SUNDAY: The Rakuten Eagles have officially announced the signing of Jones, reports the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).
TUESDAY: Andruw Jones has agreed to play in Japan for the Rakuten Eagles, according to an Associated Press report (via ESPN.com). Nikkan Sports reported the agreement four days ago (via Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker). Jones, a client of the Boras Corporation, will earn $3.5MM or so assuming he passes his physical, according to Nikkan Sports.
Jones played for the Yankees in 2012, hitting 14 home runs and posting a .197/.294/.408 batting line in 269 plate appearances. The 35-year-old played both corner outfield positions and earned a $2MM salary. A right-handed hitter known for his success against left-handed pitching (.258/.357/.496 career batting line), Jones hit ten of his 14 home runs against southpaws in 2012.
The 17-year MLB veteran has 434 career home runs, ten Gold Gloves and five All-Star appearances. Though his production declined after he turned 30, Jones has still been worth 59.5 wins above replacement and could be considered a Hall of Fame candidate.
