Earlier this month it was announced that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had been traded... to the Yankees. When the transaction occurred, it was reported that Wilson wouldn't try to play two sports—he's not the next Deion Sanders—but he would likely show up for spring training.
That much has come to fruition. Wilson is ready for some baseball, according to a post on his Instagram account. Wilson said he'll report to spring training Monday and be there for the week.
Wilson addressed Yankees stars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the video.
"Hey, and let's go win a World Series. Why not?" Wilson said.
He will leave Tampa, where spring training is held, March 3, according to ESPN. That's the same day the Yankees play the Red Sox.
"After talking to a number of our players, there is a genuine excitement in having Russell join us for a short time in camp," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said. "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."
The Orioles selected Wilson in round 41 of the 2007 MLB draft. Wilson did play minor-league baseball with the Colorado Rockies in 2010 and 2011.
He was traded from the Rockies to the Rangers in Dec. 2013. Wilson attended the Rangers' spring training in 2014 and 2015, so this experience won't be totally new to him.
Though we'll never know how good Wilson could have been if he had committed to baseball, we do know he is now much better at football. He's made four Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl under center for the Seattle Seahawks.
