Posted at 1:17 p.m., Monday, December 17, 2007
Baseball: Rivera, Yankees finalize $45M, 3-year deal
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees made it official Monday, finalizing a $45 million, three-year contract that will keep the ace closer in pinstripes.Rivera became a free agent after the season, then told the team last month he would accept their offer. It took a little time to complete the paperwork and a physical.
The 38-year-old reliever signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1990 and has only played for them in pro ball. He is third on the career saves list with 443 and his postseason brilliance was perhaps the key to the Yankees winning four World Series from 1996-2000.
Rivera was 3-4 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 3.15 ERA this season. He is coming off a three-year, $31.5 million contract. His new contract will provide an average salary more than $4 million above what any other reliever currently makes.
Rivera had hoped for an extension before the start of this season. The Yankees did not want to discuss extensions with any of their players until after the season ended.
At the start of spring training, Rivera said he would try the market if he became a free agent.
"Everybody has the same shot," he said then. "The Yankees will not have an advantage."
By keeping Rivera, the Yankees can go ahead with their plan to put Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation. A rookie last season, Chamberlain quickly impressed the Yankees and earned his way into a spot as Rivera's primary setup man.
