The New York Yankees got their man, again.
According to sources who spoke to ESPN, the Yankees agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with closer Mariano Rivera.
The new contract will have incentives built in that could make the deal worth more than $10 million, but details have not been released. The Yankees hoped to sign both Rivera and starter Andy Pettitte before the winter meetings in Nashville next week.
New York already brought in Pettitte officially and now will do the same with Rivera. After making $15 million in 2012, Rivera will take a slight pay cut, but will make up with it in incentives if he is healthy all season.
Rivera only played in nine games last season before suffering a serious, season-ending injury.
While taking his usual fielding practice in the outfield before a game against Kansas City in May, Rivera tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, forcing him to miss the rest of the season after going through surgery in June.
Before he was hurt, he had five saves, eight strikeouts and an ERA of 2.16 in 8.1 innings pitched. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks in his rehabilitation, Rivera is expected to make it back for Opening Day.
Rafael Soriano took over the closer role for Rivera and was excellent for the rest of the year, putting up 42 saves in 46 chances with a 2.26 ERA and 69 strikeouts.
Soriano was signed to a three-year, three-year, $35 million contract, but opted out following the playoffs to become a free agent and is asking for more money than the Yankees were willing to spend. The team will be looking for a replacement for Soriano as well, considering how good he was in Rivera's place.
The Yankees had a bit of a scare from Rivera in October when reports surfaced that he was leaning towards retirement, but he soon changed his mind. Following his injury in May, Rivera was adamant that he would return.
"I'm coming back," an emotional Rivera said in Kansas City a day after the injury, according to ESPNNewYork.com. "Put it down. Write it down in big letters. I ain't going down like this."
Rivera is considered to be the best relief pitcher in baseball history and has earned 608 saves in the regular season, as well as an MLB-best 42 in his playoff career. He has a career 2.21 ERA and has gone 76-58 in 18 seasons.
Rivera was named to 12 All-Star appearances, won five World Series championships and led the American League in saves three times in his career.
According to CBSSports.com, "One of his countless merits: Among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings pitched, Rivera owns the lowest park- and league-adjusted ERA in baseball history. He's also posted sub-2.00 ERAs in each of last four full seasons, so even at an advanced baseball age, Rivera remains an elite, shutdown closer."
Heading into the winter meetings next week, the Yankees will be looking for more pitching as well as someone to take the place of departing right fielder Nick Swisher and catcher Russell Martin, who signed this week with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Yankees will also want to get some bullpen depth and find a solid reliever that can set-up Rivera, but also one that can serve as a closer in case he goes down with another injury, just like Soriano did last year.
Rivera is true competitor and a tough player, but the Yankees will need some insurance for the now 43-year-old relief pitcher.
There are some reliever options for the Yankees on the free-agent market, including former Royals closer Joakim Soria.
Andrew Marchand at ESPNNewYork.com reported earlier in the month that Soria was interested in the Yankees, due to the fact that he sees Rivera as an idol and someone he could learn from.
"If the Yankees call, we will be all ears," Soria's agent, Oscar Suarez, said by phone Monday, according to ESPN.com. "If there is a fit, Joakim would be elated to work with Mo. He would close everywhere except there."
Soria dealt with Tommy John surgery and missed all of last season, but averaged 36 saves between 2008 and 2011. In 2010 he made the All-Star team, saving 43 games, striking out 71 and posting a 1.78 ERA in 65.2 innings.
Brandon League of the Los Angeles Dodgers could help the Yankees as well.
Last season League served as the set-up man for the Dodgers after being traded by the Mariners and was effective, making 15 saves, striking out 54 and posting a 3.13 ERA in 72 innings.
League has experience closing games and pitching in relief, which would be a good fit for New York. Although he signed an extension in October with the Dodgers, he could still be a valuable trade target for the Yankees.
