NEW YORK — The New York Yankees plugged their hole in center field by bringing Johnny Damon down from Boston, and several other established players found new teams on a busy night in baseball.

The Chicago Cubs added Jacque Jones to their outfield Tuesday, Texas agreed to acquire pitcher Adam Eaton in a trade with San Diego, and the Los Angeles Dodgers made Kenny Lofton their latest addition. The Yankees also reached a preliminary agreement with Octavio Dotel, a former closer coming off major elbow surgery.

Details of New York’s preliminary $52 million, four-year agreement with Damon were still being negotiated and the speedy leadoff hitter must pass a physical, a baseball official said on condition of anonymity because negotiations were not yet final. A two-time All-Star, Damon could take his physical Thursday, allowing the deal to be completed this week.

Moving from Fenway Park to Yankee Stadium will mean a change of style and scenery for Damon, a fan favorite in Boston for his scrappy play and scruffy look. New York owner George Steinbrenner bans beards and long hair.

“Sad to say bye to some of the greatest fans in the world. Unfortunately they had to see this day, but it’s time for me to move forward,” Damon told WBZ television in Boston.

Jones rejected Minnesota’s salary arbitration offer Monday in favor of a $16 million, three-year contract with the Cubs. He hit .249 last season with 23 homers and 73 RBIs, the second straight year his average declined following a pair of .300 seasons. He set career highs in 2002 with 27 homers and 85 RBIs.

“I haven’t felt good about my batting average,” Jones said. “I’m sick about it. I can’t stand it. I know I’m much better than a .250 hitter.”

Also, the Pittsburgh Pirates dropped pitcher Josh Fogg Tuesday.

While the Cubs were adding Jones, the crosstown White Sox finalized their trade to acquire right-hander Javier Vazquez and $4 million from Arizona for pitchers Orlando Hernandez and Luis Vizcaino, and minor league outfielder Chris Young.

In addition to Jones and Lofton, two other free agents finalized contracts: right-hander Rudy Seanez with Boston ($2.1 million) and left-hander Chris Hammond with Cincinnati ($800,000).

Baltimore also reached an agreement with outfielder-first baseman Jeff Conine on a $1.7 million, one-year deal that includes a club option for 2007.

Last week, the Rangers dealt All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano to Washington for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge, and pitcher Armando Galarraga. On Tuesday, they agreed to send Sledge, pitcher Chris Young and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to San Diego for Eaton and reliever Akinori Otsuka.