Jason Giambi's comeback trail didn't end when the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs. The slugger, who admitted using steroids before the 2005 season and didn't shake out of a horrible slump until June, has signed an endorsement deal with Reebok, ESPN reported on Thursday.

It was the latest good news for Giambi, who was named the AL's Comeback Player of the Year by fans. He hit 32 home runs and drove in 87 runs this season for the Yankees.

But things were much bleaker at the start of the season. After the admission of steroid use to a federal grand jury, Giambi lost endorsement deals with Pepsi and Arm & Hammer. And he struggled to find a rythm on the field.

But after a big finish to the season, he's back on the map. The deal he signed with Reebok includes shoes and batting gloves, according to the ESPN report.

"We are excited to have Jason Giambi join our family," said John Lynch, Reebok's vice president of sports marketing, in an interview with ESPN. "Being named this year's American League Comeback Player of the Year is a true testament to Jason's determination and work ethic."

Giambi also endorses Louisville Slugger, which still makes his bats.

"This deal takes the Comeback Player of the Year Award to a new level," David Carter, executive director of USC's Sports Business Institute, told ESPN. "Will he be a good spokesman? Much like any controversial figure, I think that those who were supportive of him in the beginning are even moreso today and those who feel as though he cheated fans probably have not changed their position."

More news

NBC Sports

Is Myers the next Puig?

  HBT Daily: Craig Calcaterra investigates whether Wil Myers will have the same impact other stud rookies had like Yasiel Puig and Bryce Harper.

Harvey takes no-no into 7th, Mets hang on

ATLANTA (AP) - Matt Harvey pitched six hitless innings, John Buck homered and the New York Mets held off another Atlanta comeback, beating the Braves 4-3 Tuesday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Headlines

• Label

CSN: Phanatic's ATV dies  |  Dom does it again

Stanton smites two homers as Fish stop Snakes

HBT: D-backs' Kennedy drops suspension appeal

Rangers too strong, edge visting Athletics

Cards get back on winning track, down Cubs

Braves take their time, but edge Gee's Mets

Blue Jays blank Rockies for sixth straight win

Reds beat Bucs to move 15 games over .500