In a surprise twist,
Alex Rodriguez and the
New York Yankees are discussing a deal that could put the superstar third baseman back in pinstripes.
The discussions are believed to be centering on a 10-year contract for about $280 million. They are also likely to include incentives that could put the total package well over $300 million.
A-Rod and the Yankees have been talking secretly for a couple days in an attempt to reconcile. It appears that progress is being made.
"Alex reached out to us,'' Yankees partner Hank Steinbrenner told SI.com on Wednesday. "He wants to be a Yankee.''
Rodriguez, who opted out of his contract last month and became a free agent, said he wanted to talk with the Steinbrenner family before he started discussions with other franchises and that he wanted to remain with the Yankees. It was not immediately known whether the discussion took place in person or by telephone. Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, did not participate.
Rodriguez and the Yankees appeared to have parted ways two weeks ago when the Yankees bid him adieu after he opted out of his 10-year, $252-million contract on Oct. 28. Before Rodriguez terminated the deal, Boras told the Yankees they would have to make a $350 million offer to get a meeting with the third baseman. However, both sides appear to have had a change of heart, and contract talks were intense on Wednesday.
The Yankees were approached by a third-party intermediary several days ago who said Rodriguez wanted to speak with the Steinbrenners, and the team at first wondered whether the message was serious.
The
New York Daily News first reported news of the new discussion on Wednesday on its Web site. Rodriguez confirmed it with a statement on his own Web site later in the day.
By opting out of the contract, Rodriguez forfeited the $72 million he was guaranteed by the Yankees for 2008-10. In turn, the Rangers were relieved of their obligation to pay New York $21.3 million, a subsidy agreed to as part of the 2004 trade that sent A-Rod to the Yankees.
Rodriguez told the Yankees that he understood what he would have to do if he wanted to rejoin the team: Make up for the subsidy from Texas that New York lost when he opted out.
Before Rodriguez opted out, the Yankees were prepared to make an initial extension offer of four or five years with an average salary of $25 to $30 million.
After Rodriguez became a free agent many possible suitors said they weren't interested. The
Los Angeles Angels were an exception, saying they would like to speak with Rodriguez.
uke1:
