Derek Jeter negotiations baffling agent
According to a recent report, Derek Jeter’s agent described the current negotiation strategy of the New York Yankees as "baffling".
"There’s a reason the Yankees themselves have stated [that] Derek Jeter is their modern-day Babe Ruth," Casey Close, Jeter’s agent, told
The New York Daily News. "Derek’s significance to the team is much more than just stats. And yet, the Yankees’ negotiating strategy remains baffling."
For the first time in his illustrious career, Jeter finds himself embroiled in the midst of free agency, bringing about the current contract negotiations. The 36-year-old shortstop has spent all 15 of his major league seasons in Yankee pinstripes, and essentially
serves as the face of the franchise for a generation of players.
According to Close, the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement due to Jeter’s recent dip in production. And, although the team reportedly offered Jeter a three-year contract worth $15 million a year just last week, the 11-time All-Star is seeking
a deal that would secure him for at least the next four years.
Still, Close insinuates that the organization must look beyond their captain’s numbers on the field and consider what Jeter means to the fans and culture of the storied franchise. "They continue to argue their points in the press and refuse to acknowledge Derek’s
total contribution to their franchise."
The Yankees’ brass, meanwhile, has taken a business approach. They have made it clear that although they acknowledge what Jeter means and brings to their organization, they are standing firm in their stance.
"He’s a baseball player, and this is a player negotiation. Everything he is and who he is gets factored in," Randy Levine, the team’s president, told the media last week of the contract talks.
"But this isn’t a licensing deal or a commercial rights deal, he’s a baseball player. With that said, you can’t take away from who he is. He brings a lot to the organization. And we bring a lot to him."
Tags: