First, the Yankees reportedly offered 3 years $24 million, the Royals offered 4 years $30 million. At 32 years old, Infante knew that this would be his last big money contract, so he went with the longer term and higher total dollars.
Second, I recall comments Infante made about wanting to be part of something special..and that the Royals were ready to take the "next step." Sure, that might be BS his agent told him to say, but I can also see how a veteran like Omar, who's seen his share of post-seasons, would embrace the challenge of becoming a leader on a young team full of energy and potential (as opposed to being just another veteran mercenary on Derek Jeter's team)...
Not everyone wants to play for the New York Yankees.
Better contract and he knows by going to the Royals he will be a starter.
Because New York City sucks and it's full of rats.
Not everyone wants to play for them, there are players who chose otherwise for good reason.
Because he's not a morally-bankrupt @sshole.
