Rafael Soriano departs from New York Yankees – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, New York Yankees’ Rafael Soriano has decided to opt out of his $35 million contract. In an interview, Soriano commented that he is seeking a long term deal in free agency. Agent Scott Boras is convinced that he can
get him a $60 million four year contract. It will be interesting to see if that is real possibility in the current marketplace.
Soriano was expected to make $14 million in his final year of the contract and he had until Wednesday to opt out. The Yankees are now expected to pay him a $1.5 million buyout. The Yankees could still consider offering Soriano a qualifying $13.3 million
contract before Friday. However, if Soriano moves to some other team, the Yankees are likely to receive draft compensation.
Soriano produced some impressive performances this season, making 42 saves to help the Yankees win the American League East Division title. Soriano was a vital insurance policy for the Yankees, who are now facing a challenging situation.
The 32-year-old Soriano signed a very profitable contract with the Yankees last season. He began his stint as a set up man. However, he improved with each passing game to show the skipper what he is capable of.
''I'm not surprised because (agent) Scott Boras told me he was confident he could get him 15 times four (years), $60 million. If that's the case, it would be a good deal for Soriano,'' Yankees’ president Randy Levine told the Associated Press. ''I hope that's
what's real in the marketplace.''
"I don't think Soriano would sign here if he's not going to be the closer," GM Brian Cashman said. "And I don't think we would do again what we did before. He's going to want closer money and I doubt he would want to come back here as a set-up man."
Manager Joe Girardi liked Soriano’s ability to stay composed under pressure. After Yankees’ closer Mariano Rivera suffered an injury in early May of 2012, Soriano took over as the Yankees’ closer. Soriano made a career high 45 saves for Tampa Bay Rays in
2010. Surely, he will be looking to continue his excellent form to make a name for himself.
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