Image via WikipediaDerek Jeter, the New York Yankees' highest paid player, is entering the last year of his 10-year contract, valued at $189 million. The Yankees have refused, however, to discuss a new contract until the end of the season.
Although Jeter has been very clear that he wishes to play for the Yankees, and the Yankees alone, his future with the team seems uncertain at this point. The player refuses to give a clue as to what he thinks may happen at the end of the coming season; while at training camp, he has said he only wants to focus on the year's performance and what he can contribute to the team and the organization.
Jeter has been playing with the Yankees since the 1992 MLB draft, when fortune seemed to dictate his rejection by the Astros, Indians, Expos, Orioles, and Reds. Since them, he has become an ideal player and a strong talent. Indeed, in terms of skill, he is one of the Yankees' most valuable players.
The Yankees have been very strict in their policies regarding players and new contracts, and Jeter has chosen to respect the general manager's decision. The speculation arising out of the situation, he contends, is only a distraction, and one he hopes to avoid.
Whether the team will offer a contract, or a contract as lucrative as the one he signed in 2001, is a matter for debate. Nor is it clear that Jeter could find a similar offer from another team. However, Jeter has thus far claimed that he intends to stay with the New York team.
'œI can't think about what's going to happen after this year. You don't think about what legacy you have when you're still playing. That's something you consider when your career is over,' Jeter said. 'œMy desire is to stay here. I haven't thought about ' how much money (I) want because we haven't sat down to negotiate anything. That hasn't crossed my mind. That's not what I play for. I play in order to try to help this team win.'
The deal made in 2001 was one that no other team could beat. Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada were all on the same boat '“ expensive players that few other teams could afford.
Now, Jeter, Rivera, and Posada all find themselves with their contracts about to expire and in a place of uncertainty, as the Yankees have announced that they will not negotiate with any of them until the season ends. Jeter is the oldest of the three, and the most costly.
Nonetheless, the player is in incredible shape, with .334 batting and .871 OPS as well as a rediscovered range at shortstop. He also helped the Yankees take their first World Series since 2000. Jeter has also won three Gold Gloves and has been a World Series and All-Star MVP in his 14 seasons in New York. Chances are good that he'll stay with the team, but we'll have to wait until the end of the season to know for sure.
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