2013 Contract Issues: New York Yankees @ The Fan Hub

May 29th, 2012 2:27 PM

New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) high fives left fielder Raul Ibanez (27). Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

As the New York Yankees continue to pull themselves out of mediocrity, there are some looming contract issues approaching in 2013. Here are the big ones:

First and foremost is the Yankees legendary closer Mariano Rivera, who had originally planned on retiring after his contract expires, but now wishes to return next season after a devastating ACL injury that ruined this year. There would likely be riots if Rivera signed elsewhere (and I’m only half-joking) so expect him back in pinstripes.

Nick Swisher is due to hit free agency, and given his solid numbers during his tenure in the Bronx (.264 /.362/.485 and 89 HRs in four seasons), there are probably teams that will offer the fan favorite a long term deal. The Yankees aren’t likely to lock into another long term deal with a player due to be 32 years old, so Swisher’s future in New York appears to be uncertain.

Hiroki Kuroda is due to be a free agent again after his one-year deal with the Yanks. Despite every effort to repair their rotation in the offseason, the Yankees are once again going to be looking for arms in the near future. Kuroda shouldn’t be the 2nd man as his now, but as a 4th or 5th starter he might be worth bringing back on a 1-year deal. That being said, he’s also 37, so New York might be better off letting the aging righty walk after this year and looking to their farm system or elsewhere for help.

Russell Martin is batting .186 with a .329 OBP and .339 SLG. Of those stats, only his OBP is respectable. While Martin is an above average defensive catcher, his production has been a disappointment in New York thus far, and it’s hard to argue he’d be worth the $10m yearly price he desires. With the legion of catching talent in the pipeline for the Yankees and the respective contracts for Miguel Montero and Yadier Molina that pushed up the market price for catchers, don’t be surprised to see Martin walk.

Raul Ibanez is showing his worth, belting nine homers in just 139 ABs. He’s making a strong case for a new contract next season.

Robinson Cano is up for a $15MM option. No-brainer, the Yankees will exercise this option and consider an extension too. Cano has consistently been one of the best all-around players in the league (.307/.347/.496 career numbers), and letting a player of his caliber slip away is not on the Yankees’ agenda. Deep pockets will prevail.

Curtis Granderson is also up for an option ($13m club option with a $2m buyout), and there’s no reason the Yankees won’t exercise it. Granderson was an MVP candidate last season, putting up career numbers with 41 homers and 119 RBIs while also providing above-average fielding in center. He’s not as hot this year, but Granderson’s entering the prime of his career and will be back in pinstripes.

Rafael Soriano has an upcoming $14m player option with a $1.5m buyout. This means he can opt-out and test the market if he so wishes, but given the the recent offseason disasters regarding fat closer contracts (Papelbon, Bell), teams might be hesitant to give Soriano a better deal than the $14 million he’d earn next season. My guess is he’ll stick around for another year and try to coax the Yankees into opening the checkbook for an extension.

— Ryan Gilmore

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