Yankees rumors: New York offers Kevin Youkilis contract

The New York Yankees have offered free agent Kevin Youkilis a one-year, $12 million contract, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, while the veteran corner infielder is also weighing two-year offers in the $16-$18 million range, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

The Yankees' offer to Kevin Youkilis is one year at $12M, according to source.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 6, 2012

Youkilis indeed has one-year, $12M offer from #Yankees, as reported by @bryanhoch. Also has two-year offers from others in $16M-$18M range.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2012

The Yankees have been in the market for infield help, specifically at third base, since Alex Rodriguez’s hip injury was reported. The veteran is expected to miss the start of the 2013 season.

While there have been several options available on the market, including Jeff Keppinger, the Yankees are reportedly working with a limited budget given the luxury tax threshold. For this reason there are reports that they’re shopping outfielder Curtis Granderson to free up salary.

Beyond the Yankees, the Cleveland Indians have also been tied to Youkilis this offseason, and the Seattle Mariners are also reportedly interested in the veteran slugger. The Philadelphia Phillies have a need at third base, but they’re reportedly nearing an agreement with the Texas Rangers that would net them Michael Young.

Over a combined 438 at-bats last season with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox Youkilis hit .235/.336/.409. The 33-year-old owns a career line of .283/.384/.482.