Update: 10:45 p.m. The Associated Press is reporting Rivera and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year deal worth $10 million.
All-time saves leader Mariano Rivera is celebrating his 43rd birthday today and has agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million with incentive-based bonuses, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The deal is expected to be officially completed on Friday and will send Yankee general manager Brian Cashman on his way to Nashville, Tenn., for next Monday’s annual winter meetings with a pitching staff of both starters and relievers that appears to be set.
Rivera, who has 608 saves while playing his entire 18-year major league career as a Yankee, appeared in only nine games in 2012, going 1-1 with five saves and an ERA of 2.16. His season abruptly ended in late May when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament while shagging fly balls during batting practice in Kansas City.
At the time of the injury, there was speculation that Rivera was in his final season, even though Rivera never made an official announcement. While still in Kansas City, Rivera told reporters he didn’t want to leave the game on such a down note.
In Rivera’s absence last season the Yankees turned to Rafael Soriano, who saved 42 of 46 chances. Soriano opted for free agency at the conclusion of the 2012 season.
