The New York Yankees have acquired Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson from the Texas Rangers for future considerations.
Yes, you read that right.
Who says the MLB Hot Stove is ice cold?
The Super Bowl winning-quarterback was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Wilson played two years (2010-11) in Colorado’s system before being acquired by the Rangers in the triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 12, 2013. Wilson won the Super Bowl less than two months later.
“We’ve admired Russell’s career from afar for quite some time,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a release. “This is a unique opportunity for us to learn from an extraordinary athlete who has reached the pinnacle of his profession.”
Wilson, who hit .229/.354/.356 in 93 minor-league games, thanked the Rangers in a statement released by the team.
[blockquote]I want to personally thank the Texas Rangers for giving me the chance to experience professional baseball again. Growing up taking grounders, hitting BP, and throwing deep post routes early in the mornings with my dad and brother is where my love of sports came from, and those memories stick with me every morning I wake up. I remember how excited I was when Texas selected me in the Rule 5 Draft in December 2013. During my two springs in Arizona with the Rangers, I was reminded just how much I love the game of baseball.
While football is my passion and my livelihood, baseball remains a huge part of where I came from and who I am today. I’ve learned so much on the baseball field that translates to my game physically and mentally playing quarterback in the NFL. I thank the Rangers and their great fans for making me feel at home and a part of the family! While I embrace the chance to be a New York Yankee, I will forever be grateful to have been a part of a world class organization like the Texas Rangers.
Thank You, Texas Rangers![/blockquote]
Wilson has no plans of becoming a pro dual-sport athlete but, like with the Rangers, is expected to join the Yankees for Grapefruit League camp this month or next, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
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