The 33-year-old Hairston hit .237 in 45 games for the Yankees last season after hitting .254 in 86 games with Reds.
Hairston, whom the pinstripes acquired at the 2009 trading deadline, joins his younger brother Scott with the Padres. Scott Hairston was reacquired from the Athletics on Jan. 16.
"It's amazing," Jerry told The Canadian Press. "Before he got traded I asked him about San Diego, and he said it was an unbelievable place to play, with great fans and a great organization. I had no idea he would get traded back here. He was trying to sell me on San Diego, and he did a great job of it. Then it just so happens he got traded."
Both Jerry and Scott are the sons of former major leaguer Jerry Hairston.
Padres general manager Jed Hoyer told The Canadian Press that the team had been in contact with Jerry for over a month, and trading for his brother accelerated the signing process.
The former Yankee provides bench depth and can play third base, shortstop, second base and all three outfield positions.
"He plays all those positions well," Hoyer told The Canadian Press. "He brings a lot of energy and a lot of versatility. We're excited to have him."
Hairston joins a Padres team that finished fourth in the NL West with a 75-87 record last season.
