Mariano Rivera agrees to one year $10 million contract – MLB New York Yankees News
New York Yankees are making expensive moves to build a strong pitching attack for the next season. On Thursday, the club signed closer Mariano Rivera for a one year $10 million deal. Although the Yankees have not made an official announcement yet, a high
ranking Yankees’ executive with knowledge of the deal confirmed the news.
"I have a long time to go, I'm not rushing," Rivera told reporters in November about his rehab. "I just have to make sure that my knee gets stronger. It does. It's getting stronger and stronger every day. I'm happy with that. I just have to continue what
I'm doing."
The 43-year-old, who has been the Yankees’ full time closer since 1997 will be replacing free agent Rafael Soriano, who demanded a long term contract from the Yankees but did not get it.
Rivera, who is baseball’s all time saves leader, missed most part of 2012 season due to a torn right ACL. His contract with the Yankees is contingent on him passing a physical, the source further claimed.
Mariano’s signing has not ended the Yankees hunt for more pitchers. They acquired veteran starting pitcher Andy Pettitte for $12 million, Hiroki Kuroda for $15 million and they are not done searching for staff. The Yankees could sign a few more arms to their
starting rotation before the start of 2013 Spring Training.
While Rivera comes through one door, catcher Russell Martin exits another. Martin had a strange 2012 season. He hit a career worst .211 with a career best 21 home-runs. The Yankees did not see him as a player worthy of making $10 million per year and hence
they did not make any effort to retain him.
“I’m really looking forward to going to the Pirates,” said Martin, who agreed to a two deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. “My boy A. J. Burnett is there, and I really like the direction they are going with a lot of good young talent. It’s going to be fun.”
Rivera, who has saved 608 games in his career, will also be eligible for performance based incentives that could push the total to $15 million.
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