Yankees re-sign Mariano Rivera for $45M

Closer Mariano Rivera signed Monday with the New York Yankees for three years and $45 million US.

Rivera, 39, reached terms with the Yankees on Nov. 19, but it took time to finalize details and have a physical, which sealed the deal.

Mariano Rivera has 443 saves in 502 chances with the New York Yankees.
(Kathy Willens/Associated Press)

"I have been a member of the Yankees for so many years," he said. "I could not see myself on another team."

Rivera recently completed a three-year, $31.1-million US contract with the Yankees, the only major-league team he has pitched for.

The Panamanian right-hander went 3-4 with a 3.15 earned-run average and 30 saves in 34 opportunities over 67 appearances last season, his 13th in New York.

He struck out 74 batters and walked only 12 in 71 1/3 innings.

Rivera was considered an off-season priority for the Yankees, who also worked out a four-year, $52.4-million US contract with veteran catcher Jorge Posada, a two-year, $4-million US pact with reserve catcher Jose Molina, and a 10-year, $275-million US deal with third baseman Alex (A-Rod) Rodriguez, last season's most valuable player in the American League.

They later exercised a $16-million US option on outfielder Bobby Abreu's contract, and brought back pitcher Andy Pettitte for $16 million US.

Rivera is 62-44 lifetime with a 2.35 ERA, 443 saves in 502 chances, and 857 strikeouts in 953 innings over 787 MLB games with the Yankees, who initially signed him as an undrafted free agent on Feb. 17, 1990.

His 443 saves rank third overall behind Trevor Hoffman (524) and Lee Smith (478).

Rivera is an eight-time all-star, and earned MVP honours in the 2000 World Series and 2004 AL Championship Series.

With files from the Associated Press

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