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NEW YORK - The New York Yankees have officially confirmed the departure of third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who told the club on Monday he was opting out of the remainder of his record US$252 million ($332.58m), 10-year baseball contract.
"I received a message from (agent) Scott Boras last night informing me that Alex Rodriguez formally opted out of the final three seasons of his contract," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
"We always understood that it was his contractual right to do so.
"We expressed our interest in keeping him in pinstripes and requested the opportunity to convey those feelings to him directly with the Steinbrenner family in an open, face-to-face dialogue."
The Yankees are owned by George Steinbrenner.
Rodriguez's agent notified the Yankees during Monday's Game Four of the World Series in Denver where the Boston Red Sox beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 to complete a four-game sweep.
According to Sports Illustrated magazine, Boras said Rodriguez was concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the Yankees.
Manager Joe Torre will not return, with former player Joe Girardi his likely replacement, and it is not known whether pitcher Andy Pettitte, reliever Mariano Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada will be back.
Boras said he would be happy to talk to any club, including the Yankees, about a new contract.
"We're here to make decisions based on our rights, and we'll certainly consider whatever clubs show interest," Boras was quoted as saying.
However, Cashman's statement today suggested Rodriguez's stint in the Bronx had come to an end.
"Alex was a key part of our success over the last four seasons and I appreciate having the opportunity to work with him," he said.
"I only wish we could have raised a championship trophy together during his time here, which was the ultimate goal we all shared."
- REUTERS
