NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have given themselves an option at first base, acquiring Nick Swisher from the Chicago White Sox today for pitching prospect Jeff Marquez and infielder Wilson Betemit.

The teams also swapped a pair of minor league right-handers as part of the deal, with Chicago receiving Jhonny Nunez and New York getting Kamehameha Schools graduate Kaneoka Texeira.

Swisher, who turns 28 on Nov. 25, hit just .219 with 24 homers and 69 RBIs last season, and his .332 on-base percentage was the lowest of his career. He could replace Jason Giambi at first base but also can play all three outfield positions.