Yankees Win Boggs With $11-Million Deal : Baseball: He spurns Dodger offer to stay in the American League and play for a former rival.

Wade Boggs had indicated recently that, all things being equal, he would prefer to sign with the New York Yankees over the Dodgers and remain in the American League.

But the Yankees didn’t take a chance with offers to the free-agent third baseman being equal. They lured him with a three-year contract worth $11 million, including a $3-million signing bonus.

The Dodgers were willing to guarantee Boggs two years with a club option for a third, but were not willing to better the Yankees’ money offer.

“It was way above where we were willing to go, as far as guaranteeing dollars,” said Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ executive vice president.

Boggs, 34, has spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, who did not try to re-sign him after last season, the worst of his career. A left-handed hitter, Boggs, five-time American League batting champion, hit .300 or better in his first 10 major league seasons before slumping in 1992, when he hit .259 with seven home runs and 50 runs batted in.

Boggs made $2.7 million in 1992, the final season of a three-year deal worth $7.35 million.

“I’m very enthusiastic about being a Yankee and playing for an organization so rich in tradition,” Boggs said in a statement released by the team. “The idea of being able to play in Yankee Stadium and remain in the American League East all factored into my thinking.”

Boggs fills the hole at third base left by the Yankees’ loss of Charlie Hayes, who went to the Colorado Rockies in the expansion draft. Boggs is a .338 lifetime hitter who won the American League batting title in 1983 and from 1985-88.

The Dodgers’ hole at third will probably be filled by a player or players already with the team, although Claire said he will not rule out other options. Boggs was the only free-agent third baseman the Dodgers were pursuing.

“We have to step back and see what develops, but we are not without options,” Claire said. “We have Eric Karros at first, Jody Reed at second and at third base we will have a battle between Dave Hansen, Lenny Harris, Mike Sharperson and Cory Snyder.

“I’m not closing the door at third, but I wouldn’t be afraid to start the season with what we have.”

Snyder, who was signed last week as a free agent, said he is happy the Dodgers didn’t get Boggs.

“I think when we start workouts here at Dodger Stadium in January, and then go to spring training, and the club sees the way I can move, I will show them that I can be an everyday third baseman,” said Snyder, who plays both the outfield and infield.