By Cesar Tordesillas

The New York Yankees made a one-year, $12 million offer to third baseman Kevin Youkilis, according to MLB.com.

The Yankees needed a replacement for Alex Rodriguez, who will undergo surgery on the labrum in his left hip in mid-January and is expected to need four to six months of recovery.

Youkilis made $12.25 million last season when he hit .235 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs for Boston and the Chicago White Sox, who acquired him in June.

He is a three-time All-Star known for his ability to get on base. In addition to third, he also can play first base. But Youkilis is coming off the worst statistical season of his career. He posted career lows in batting average and on-base percentage, and his walk rate also matched a career low.

The Cleveland Indians are also interested in his services, a source told ESPN.com.

The Yankees are open to listening to offers for center fielder Curtis Granderson and starting pitchers Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova.

 

 

Yankees Targeting Kevin Youkilis