Angels discussing possible trade of Vernon Wells to Yankees

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels and Yankees are in serious talks about a deal that would send Vernon Wells to New York, according to a person familiar with negotiations but not authorized to speak publicly about them.

But the reserve outfielder’s hefty contract and no-trade clause could be obstacles to a deal.

Wells, who has been very accepting of a reduced role in Anaheim, has two years and $42 million remaining on his contract, and the Angels would have to send a large chunk of that to New York to consummate a trade. Wells, because of his no-trade provision, would also have to approve any deal.

Wells, 34, is having a solid spring, hitting .361 (13 for 36) with four home runs and 11 runs batted in, but he was not in the lineup for Sunday’s exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants.

He has been a huge disappointment since being acquired from Toronto before 2011, batting .222 with 36 homers and 95 RBIs in two seasons in Anaheim.

With the Angels committed to a starting outfield of Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Peter Bourjos as well as Mark Trumbo at designated hitter, Wells is now baseball’s highest-paid reserve. But in an interview last week, Wells was accepting of his role.

“It’s a matter of handling it the right way and being a good teammate when you’re not playing,” Wells said. “You try to look out for the greater good rather than yourself. That’s the most important thing.”

Said General Manager Jerry Dipoto in a recent interview about Wells: “He’s been so professional — the way he’s carried himself is the textbook way to handle the situation.”

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