Answering the Red Sox‘s acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera have officially re-signed with the New York Yankees.
Yesterday, Rivera agreed in principle to a two-year deal worth $30 million and Jeter agreed to a three-year deal worth $51 million. Jeter could also receive a fourth year if his option is picked up in 2014.
While negotiations with Jeter seemed tense, it seemed there was never a chance he would leave New York. According to a Tweet from SI’s Jon Heyman, five teams called the shortstop to express interest in his services. Jeter never expressed interest in any of the other potential suitors.
The deal will take Derek to age 39, and will most certainly put him in position for the Pete Rose’s all-time record for hits. By the time this contract expires, Jeter should be around fifth on the list.
It also gives the captain a chance to add more World Series rings to his resume.
Perhaps the tactics Jeter and his agent Casey Close were using was to get an extra $6 million out of the deal.
As for Rivera, no one ever thought he would leave New York from the start. Despite a three-year offer from the Red Sox, the Yankees‘ arch rival, Rivera took a two-year deal to stay in the Bronx.
Now that the top two Yankee free agents have been resigned, GM Brian Cashman can now focus on acquiring new talent. The Cliff Lee sweepstakes will now heat up greatly and the Yankees are still in on Carl Crawford.
Several analysts on the MLB network are speculating CC Sabathia money for Lee. However, rumors on ESPN seem to have the loser of the Cliff Lee sweepstakes winning the services of former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.
On the Crawford front, the Yanks have been keeping tabs for weeks on Crawford’s negotiations with various teams.
Lee seems to be higher on the Yankees’ wish list, but if Lee signs with another team, expect the Yankees to trade for Greinke and sign Crawford.
There is also a chance both Lee and Crawford land in Pinstripes, if the Yankees saw fit.
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