Rafael Soriano opts out of contract with New York Yankees – MLB Update
New York Yankees are likely to make a qualifying offer to retain right hand pitcher Rafael Soriano. However, the chances of a long term opportunity are remote for Soriano, who displayed some top quality throwing skills last season after closer Mariano Rivera
picked up a serious injury.
Soriano filled in admirably for the injured closer Rivera. He grabbed opportunities with both hands, making 42 saves in 46 opportunities. Not only is he an extremely talented closer, Soriano is one of most reliable and durable options the Yankees had last
season. It seems the Yankees will now have to find a new insurance policy.
"Based on that, I understand why he would opt out," President Randy Levine said. "We love him here at the Yankees but we wouldn't pay him $60 million for four years."
"I'd be interested in talking to anyone who can help us, and we know he can help us," Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday.
Yankees signed a $35 million deal with Soriano at the start of 2011 season. Soriano did not get the chance to prove his mettle in his first year in New York. However, after Rivera went out with an injury, he started to show how important he can be to the
Yankee’s pitching rotation.
However, despite putting up a brilliant show last year, Soriano is unlikely to be offered a long term and lucrative contract by the Yankees. The 32-year-old, who had an opt-out clause in his contract after each of the first two seasons, chose to opt-out
on Wednesday.
"I don't think Soriano would sign here if he's not going to be the closer," 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."
Yankees’ president Randy Levine, who negotiated the Soriano deal back in 2011, wanted to retain Soriano. However, Soriano’s agent Scott Boras is convinced that he can find a $60 million four deal for his client. It will be interesting to see if Soriano can
find a long term deal in competitive market place.
Tags: