Seattle QB Wilson takes swing with Yankees

Russell Wilson has a primary job in the Pacific Northwest, but the Seattle Seahawks quarterback found himself involved in Major League Baseball transaction on Wednesday.

The New York Yankees acquired Wilson from the Texas Rangers in exchange for future considerations, the teams announced. The four-time Pro Bowl selection is expected to appear at the Yankees' Grapefruit League camp in Tampa (Fla.), in March.

Wilson's football career is not in jeopardy, but the 29-year-old hasn't kept his love of baseball a secret and has long expressed a desire to play for the Yankees.

"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."

Wilson has a much brighter future with his primary job. He became the third-youngest quarterback to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory when he guided the Seahawks to a 43-8 romp of the Denver Broncos in XLVIII.

He led the NFL with 34 touchdown passes this past season and has 161 during his six seasons with the Seahawks.

Wilson played two years of professional baseball as a second baseman in the Colorado Rockies' system after being selected in the fourth round of MLB's 2010 first-year player draft. He hit .228 with 5 home runs in 315 at-bats for Tri-City of the Northwest League and Asheville of the South Atlantic League during the 2010-11 seasons.

The Rangers selected Wilson off the Colorado roster in the December 2013 Rule 5 draft, and he made one-day appearances at Texas' Cactus League complex in Surprise, Ariz., in 2014 and 2015.