The Yankees and CC Sabathia need each other. The left-hander decided to stay in New York, agreeing to a new deal Monday that adds $30 million and one season to his existing contract. Over the next five years, the 31-year-old will make $122 million.
Hard to pass up that deal, but the scary thing is Sabathia may have been able to make more on the free agent market, especially with the lack of elite starting pitchers available.
But in the end, it’s a win-win for both the Yankees and Sabathia.
Who would New York have started on Opening Day if Sabathia left?
Ivan Nova (16-4, 3.70 ERA) had a nice rookie season, but this is the Yankees. Why have an exorbitant payroll without a front-line starting pitcher?
So the Yankees really had no choice but to work out a deal with Sabathia.
But Sabathia benefits from staying in New York, too — and not just financially.
He is this generation’s best chance of reaching the 300-win mark. And teaming up with the best offense in baseball can only help him get there.
Sabathia is at 176 wins right now and has won 59 games during his three seasons with the Yankees. At this pace, he would be approaching 300 victories after six more seasons.
New York keeps its ace and Sabathia gets his best chance at making history — a perfect match.
– Jeffrey Tomik
