NEW YORK (AP) -Alex Rodriguez could wind up staying with the New York Yankees.
A-Rod spoke Wednesday with the Steinbrenner family and team officials in an effort to repair the relationship that was severed when he opted out of his contract last month. Rodriguez’s longtime agent, Scott Boras, was not part of the talks.
Rodriguez said he decided to talk directly with the Yankees after consulting with his wife.
“It became clear to me that I needed to make an attempt to engage the Yankees regarding my future with the organization,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “Prior to entering into serious negotiations with other clubs, I wanted the opportunity to share my thoughts directly with Yankees’ ownership.”
Rodriguez said he expects the talks to continue for several days.
“Part of it is obviously him proving he really wants to be a Yankee, and I think he’s doing that,” Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said.
The Yankees were approached by a third-party intermediary several days ago who said Rodriguez wanted to speak with the Steinbrenners, and the team at first wondered whether the message was serious. Before Rodriguez terminated his record $252 million, 10-year contract on Oct. 28, Boras told the Yankees they would have to make a $350 million offer to get a meeting with the third baseman.
By opting out of the contract, Rodriguez forfeited the $72 million he was guaranteed by the Yankees for 2008-10. In turn, the Rangers were relieved of their obligation to pay New York $21.3 million, a subsidy agreed to as part of the 2004 trade that sent A-Rod to the Yankees.
“I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation,” Rodriguez said.
Before Rodriguez opted out, the Yankees were prepared to make an initial extension offer of four or five years with an average yearly salary of $25 million to $30 million.
After he became a free agent, many possible suitors said they weren’t interested. The Los Angeles Angels were an exception, saying they’d like to speak with Rodriguez.
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