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Yankees’ Rafael Soriano Could Opt Out Of Contract

New York Yankees closer Rafael Soriano could opt out of his contract at the end of the season, leaving $14 million on the table, to seek a multi-year offer elsewhere.

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13: Rafael Soriano #29 of the New York Yankees celebrates following their win against the Boston Red Sox during the game on September 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13: Rafael Soriano #29 of the New York Yankees celebrates following their win against the Boston Red Sox during the game on September 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13: Rafael Soriano #29 of the New York Yankees celebrates following their win against the Boston Red Sox during the game on September 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Getty Images

New York Yankees closer Rafael Soriano may the utilize opt-out clause in his contract at the end of the season to seek a better deal, per CBS Sports. The 32-year-old right-hander is still owed a not insubstantial $14 million next season -- the final year of a three-year deal with the Yankees -- but opting out could afford him a larger, multi-year deal as one of the few reputable closers on the free agent market:

Soriano would be a setup man with David Robertson to all-time great closer Mariano Rivera if he returns next year. After saving 37 games in 40 opportunities, presumably he would be a hot player as a free agent, as Jose Valverde is the only comparable closer due to become a free agent.

Filling in for the injured Rivera, Soriano (2-1, 2.14) has excelled in the closer role this season, converting all but three save opportunities. The veteran right-hander would receive a $1.5 million buyout from the Yankees if he does invoke his opt-out clause, though doing so does not necessarily mean he will not re-sign with the Bronx Bombers.

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