For years outfielder Pat Burrell haunted the Mets from the middle of the Phillies lineup. Now he’s the Yankees problem.

According to multiple reports Burrell is close to signing a two-year, $16 million contract with the Rays, who won the AL East last season. That will add another powerful bat to an already potent Rays batting order that led Tampa to the World Series where they lost to the Phillies.

Burrell may be kicking himself, because he reportedly turned down a two-year, $22 million offer from the Phillies at the start of the offseason. Philadelphia moved on and signed free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez.