CC Sabathia has decided that it is better to stay with the New York Yankees than test the water in the free-agent market. He agreed to a new deal Monday that will increase his current contract by $30 million and another season. His total contract is now $122 million for the next five years.
The current contract runs through 2016 with an option for $25 million for the 2017 season. The contract also provides Sabathia with a hotel suite on Yankees road trips, a no-trade clause and the right to buy tickets to games.
Yankee general manager Brian Cashman said, "CC is the ace of our pitching staff, a leader in our clubhouse and a driving force for the Yankees in our community. He is exactly the type player and person that Yankees fans and this organization can be proud of. We are excited that he will be wearing pinstripes for many years to come."
Sabathia's return to the Yankees was critical because of the limited starting pitchers currently on the roster. After Sabathia the Yankees only have Ivan Nova and AJ Burnett. Only Nova is considered to be a reliable starting pitcher.
