Yankees sign Girardi to 4-year deal
NEW YORK -- Joe Girardi signed a four-year contract reportedly worth $4 million annually to remain as the New York Yankees' manager through the 2017 season.
Girardi's current deal was set to expire Nov. 1, and he had not committed to returning to the team. The Chicago Cubs were also reportedly interested in trying to lure Girardi away from New York.
Girardi, 48, has guided the Yankees to the playoffs in four of the past six seasons, including the franchise's 27th World Series title in 2009. Girardi's 564-408 (.580) winning percentage is also the highest in baseball since 2008.
In 2009, Girardi became the ninth Yankees manager to win a World Series, and the youngest to do so at just 45 years old.
He was still the fifth-youngest manager in the majors last season, which was expected to make him a hot commodity if his contract had elapsed. Girardi played 15 seasons in the major leagues, including as a catcher for the Cubs from 1989-92 and 2000-02. The Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum last week.
"I think (Girardi) likes it here," Cashman said after meeting with Girardi last week. "We're going to give him a real good reason to stay."
Re-signing Girardi answers the first of several major questions facing the Yankees after missing the playoffs this season. Second baseman Robinson Cano is scheduled to become a free agent and third baseman Alex Rodriguez is in the appeals process following a 211-game suspension levied by Major League Baseball. Both situations need to be resolved before general manager Brian Cashman can finalize other offseason plans entering free agency.
