After a brief period of uncertainty, the New York Yankees and ace closer Mariano Rivera have agreed to a one year deal worth $10 million (plus incentives) for the 2013 season. Rivera turned 43-years old on Thursday, and you have to imagine that he's reaching the end of his career, especially after tearing his ACL just one month into the 2012 season.
While $10 million might seem like a lot for a reliever, consider the low long-term risk of a one year deal, the 50% paycut Rivera took from his prior contract, and Rivera's track record. Before getting hurt in 2012, Rivera had just one season since 2003 where he provided less than two wins of value to the Yankees (2010, when he threw just 60 innings). While it's true that Rivera is older, the lack of arm problems in his career indicate that there aren't warning flags around the health of his elbow or shoulder.
It really is looking like the end of an era for the Yankees with Rivera and Andy Pettitte both signed to just one year deals this offseason, and Derek Jeter's last guaranteed season being 2013 (with a player option for 2014 also in the fold for Jeter). The last one out of the clubhouse, please turn the lights off on the Yankee Dynasty of the late-90s.
