Rafael Soriano seeks long term contract – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, New York Yankees right hand pitcher Rafael Soriano opted out of the final year of his $35 million three year contract on Wednesday. Soriano had proved to be vital insurance policy for the Yankees and it seems they might
a need a new one now.
The source further claimed that Soriano is now looking for a long term opportunity in free agency. The pitcher produced match winning performances for the Yankees last season, making 42 saves after closer Mariano Rivera picked up a severe injury in early
May.
Soriano was set to make $15 million this year as well and he had to make the decision to opt out by Wednesday evening. New York will now have to pay him a $1.5 million buyout. Manager Joe Girardi can also make him a qualifying offer of a $13.3 million before
Friday’s midnight deadline.
New York Yankees signed a lucrative contract with Soriano just before the start of 2011 season. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman initially was against the deal but owner Hal Steinbrenner overruled him.
''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 in an interview.
''I hope that's what's real in the marketplace.''
The 32-year-old Soriano started as a set up man for the Yankees. After Rivera went out of the Yankees’ pitching rotation, he grabbed opportunities with both hands, doing an outstanding job as a closer.
With Soriano departing, Yankees now face an uphill task as far as their bullpen situation is concerned. The 42-year-old Rivera, who has proved to be a match winning option for the Yankees over the years, vowed to return right after his injury. However, nearing
twilight of his career, it is unclear if he will pitch again.
If Rivera does not return to the Yankees’ bullpen in the winter, New York will have to start their search for a new closer sooner rather than later.
It will be interesting to see what moves the Yankees make during the offseason to strengthen their bullpen and add some depth to their line-up.
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