Yankees Aquire Russell Wilson in Trade with Rangers

Yes, you read the title correctly.

The New York Yankees have acquired Russell Wilson via a trade with the Texas Rangers for future considerations.

Wilson is expected to appear at the Yankees Grapefruit League camp down in Tampa Bay, Florida in February or March.

The Yankees have always been Wilson’s Dream Team, and General Manager Brian Cashman made his dreams come true.

“We’ve admired Russell’s career from afar for quite some time,” Cashman said in a statement. “This is a unique opportunity for us to learn from an extraordinary athlete who has reached the pinnacle of his profession.

“After talking to a number of our players, there is a genuine excitement in having Russell join us for a short time in camp. We are all looking forward to gaining insight into how he leads teammates toward a common goal, prepares on a daily basis for the rigors of his sport, and navigates the successes and failures of a season.” (ESPN)

Wilson shared his excitement of this new adventure with the Yankees, and his gratitude to the Rangers organization.

“I want to personally thank the Texas Rangers for giving me the chance to experience professional baseball again,” Wilson said. “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.” (ESPN)

Wilson, a second baseman, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round in 2010. He played two years in the minors in Low A and Class A — batting .228 with five home runs in 315 at-bats for Tri-City of the Northwest League and Asheville of the South Atlantic League in 2010 and 2011. He transferred from NC State to Wisconsin in part because he wanted to maintain his commitment to baseball, but didn’t play again professionally after the Seahawks drafted him in the third round in 2012.

In 2013, the Rangers selected Wilson in the Rule 5 draft; he made spring training appearances in 2014 and 2015.

Don’t expect Wilson to suit up with the Yankees, but also don’t expect him to ever break off his relationship with this sport that he loves.