The New York Yankees and Jorge Posada agreed Monday night to a $52.4 million, four-year contract that keeps the catcher off the free-agent market.
Posada’s $13.1 million average salary becomes the highest for a catcher, topping the $10 million Detroit’s Ivan Rodriguez and Boston’s Jason Varitek currently are guaranteed.
Posada hit a team-high .338 this year with 20 homers and 90 RBIs. He set career highs for average, slugging percentage (.543) and on-base percentage (.426).
The New York Yankees planned to make a new contract offer to Jorge Posada on Monday in an effort to re-sign the All-Star catcher before he hit the open market. New York also was trying to re-sign Mariano Rivera before Tuesday, when free agents could start talking money with all clubs.
Posada, a five-time All-Star who is 36, said Sunday he was “really close” to an agreement with the Yankees and his preference is to remain with the only major league team he’s played for. His contract is expected to be for three or four years.
Rivera, an eight-time All-Star, was in the Dominican Republic on Monday. Rivera, who turns 38 on Nov. 29, said Monday if he couldn’t reach a deal with New York, he would consider following manager Joe Torre to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The closer is expected to receive a three-year contract.
Steinbrenner said the Yankees still were trying to gauge what the Florida Marlins might want in a trade for All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who is being made available.