Austin Kearns is headed to the Bronx, and Lance Berkman is likely to follow according to reports. (Al Behrman/Associated Press)

The New York Yankees expect to acquire Lance Berkman from the Houston Astros on Saturday and have also worked out a deal to obtain outfielder Austin Kearns from the Cleveland Indians.

New York will send a couple of prospects to the Astros, a baseball executive familiar with the discussions said. The executive spoke on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing.

Berkman is the bigger name, although he could be a trickier fit than Kearns. Berkman has never played in the American League, and hasn't manned an outfield spot since 2007. With Mark Teixeira at first base, Berkman's at bats are likely to come as designated hitter.

A five-time all-star, Berkman has full no-trade rights and his approval was necessary for a trade. He was not in the starting lineup against the Brewers.

"I'm from Texas. Heck, I played at Rice. This city is like the womb. I feel very comfortable here. To think about the possibility of going anywhere else is kind of scary," Berkman said.

Kearns left Cleveland's game at Toronto in the seventh inning on Friday night after going 2-for-3, and was traded to the Yankees for a player to be named or cash. The former first-round draft pick is hitting .272 with eight homers and 42 RBIs.

He was in his first year with the Indians after spending time with Washington and Cincinnati in the NL. He's hit at least 15 home runs in a season on four occasions.

The 34-year-old Berkman began Friday hitting .245 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs. He has 60 walks and 70 strikeouts in 298 at-bats.

Berkman said Astros general manager Ed Wade discussed the possibility of a trade with him.

"He approached me two days ago with a list of probably eight teams that had expressed some interest. There were four yeas and four nays. There were some that were just no possibility," Berkman said.

Berkman, last an all-star in 2008, is making $14.5 million US this year. His contract includes a team option for 2011 at $15 million with a $2 million buyout.

With files from CBCSports.ca