Mariano Could Sign With Yankees Later This Week

Rivera recently returned to the mound for a fragrance ad.

Shortly after breaking the news about Andy Pettitte's imminent return with the New York Yankees, ESPN New York learned that Mariano Rivera could be the next member of the Core Four (now three after the Jorge Posada retirement) to be back in pinstripes for the 2013 season. Rivera was signed for $15M in 2012, but did not pitch after tearing his ACL in May on the road in Kansas City.

Rivera is expected to make a full recovery and be back on the mound by early 2013. His agent and general manager Brian Cashman have been discussing negotiations for when he announces his return for one final season as the Yankees closer.

Along with re-signing their closer, the Yankees will be looking for bullpen help to solidify the bridge to Rivera as Rafael Soriano has elected to test free-agency. Soriano has said that he would be open to setting up for Rivera for one year, but he is looking for a closer's role on the market.

The all-time saves leader was 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA prior to his knee injury shagging fly-balls in Kansas City. Any saves in 2013 would be adding to his record 608.

Updtae 11/30: The deal has officially been signed and is for one-year worth $10MM. 

Posted in: Free Agency, Hot Stove, Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees