Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that the New York Yankees and Mariano Rivera were on the verge of completing a deal.

On the night of Rivera’s 43rd birthday, the only team that he’s ever known as home locked him up for one more season, as he signed a one-year deal for $10 million, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports and WFAN.

 

 

 

After making $15 million in each of the last two seasons, the Yankees asked the greatest closer to ever play the game to take somewhat of a pay-cut.

However according to Heyman, he has incentives built into the deal for bonuses and awards, so his deal could be in fact anywhere around the $11-12 million mark when the season is done.

The all-time saves leader was limited to just nine appearances in 2012 after he tore his ACL shagging fly balls in May during batting practice at Kansas City.

Rafael Soriano filled in as the interim closer in 2012 and reverted back to his All-Star form, saving 40 games for the Bombers, which is a major reason why he opted out of his contract in late October to become a free agent.

Before the 2012 year, we all speculated on if last year was going to be the final hurrah for Rivera, but because of the ACL injury, Rivera decided to put off retirement.

Now the question becomes: How will a 43-year-old Rivera handle pitching while coming off a major surgery?

If his contract is any sign of how the Yankees think of him, Brian Cashman feels very confident in his closer making a full recovery.

Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.

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