Yankees, Swisher agree to minor-league deal

Nick Swisher appears to be on his way back to the Bronx.

The New York Yankees finalized a minor-league deal with Swisher on Wednesday, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.

"There's no place I love more than New York; I think a lot of people know that. I was blessed to experience that, to have such a great relationship with the fans in New York," Swisher said, according to Feinsand. "It's something I cherish very deeply and will have for the rest of my life. There would be nothing better than to get back there, to run out there and enjoy that again.

"It's something I've missed for a long time that I want back. Those Yankee pinstripes run deep. Once you're a part of it and you don't have it, you miss it. I'm one of those lucky guys that gets an opportunity to come back and try to prove myself again."

Swisher spent four seasons with the Yankees between 2009 and 2012. The switch-hitter had his best statistical output in New York, hitting .268/.367/.483 and helping the club win the 2009 World Series before earning his first and only All-Star nod the following year.

Swisher was released by the Atlanta Braves at the end of March. Atlanta will split his entire $16-million salary in 2016 with the Cleveland Indians (less the prorated MLB minimum he'll earn should he be added to the Yankees' active roster).