New York Yankees Re-Sign Derek Jeter

Oh Captain, my Captain. Earlier today, the New York Yankees announced that they reached an agreement with Derek Jeter on a one-year, $12 million deal for the 2014 season. This is instead of Jeter exercising the player option in his – now old – contract.

Sep 14, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) looks out of the dugout during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The deal can be seen as somewhat confusing, as the Yankees would have actually saved money by letting Jeter just activate his option. Had that happened, only $10.5 million would count towards the luxury tax threshold instead of the $12.8 million that will now be added. However, reports state that the contract was hammered out after some one-on-one sessions between Jeter and Yankee owner Hal Steinbrenner, who wanted to give Jeter more money simply, “because he is Jeter.”

2013 was a lost season for The Captain, who only appeared in 17 games due to a multitude of injuries. He batted .190 with one home run and seven RBI. Such an awful season came just one year after we all saw a resurgence of sorts from Jeter, when he hit .316 in 2012.

Jeter’s defensive abilities have been questioned over the last few years, and it will be interesting to see how the Yankees handle him from here on out. While I’m sure Jeter will remain adamant about being the everyday shortstop, manager Joe Girardi could want him to transition into a designated hitter role instead.

It is also worth noting that just because Jeter signed a one year contract, does not mean that 2014 will be his last season. The career Yankee turns 40 next June though, so his future in baseball remains uncertain at this time.