Didi Gregorius Yankees Contract: A Win-Win for Both Sides
The New York Yankees have signed Didi Gregorius to a one-year contract worth $14 million. The deal, which was finalized in February 2019, is a win-win for both the Yankees and Gregorius.
The Yankees were able to sign Gregorius to a relatively short-term contract while paying him a fair salary. Gregorius had an excellent 2018 season, hitting .268 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs. He also played outstanding defense, which earned him a Gold Glove award. However, Gregorius missed a significant part of the season due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery.
With the surgery, there is always a possibility that Gregorius may not play up to his usual standard in the upcoming season. The Yankees did not want to lock themselves into a long-term deal with someone who might not be fully recovered. Therefore, signing Gregorius to a one-year contract was a smart move that would allow them to assess his performance after he returns from his injury.
For Didi Gregorius, the deal is also a win. He gets to play one more season with the team he loves while earning a good salary. A one-year deal will also give Gregorius the opportunity to prove his worth to the Yankees. If he can play like he did before his injury, Gregorius would be in a better position to negotiate a more substantial, long-term contract after the season ends.
Moreover, playing in a contract year could motivate Gregorius to put up better numbers than he did in 2018. That would increase his value in the free-agent market, even if he does not re-sign with the Yankees. A strong season could also help Gregorius secure a starting role on a contending team.
In conclusion, the Didi Gregorius Yankees contract is a smart and calculated move by both parties. The Yankees get to evaluate the performance of one of their key players after an injury, and Gregorius gets to earn a fair salary while playing for the team he loves. Whether Gregorius re-signs with the Yankees or finds a new team after the season, he will do so with more leverage and confidence than if he had signed a long-term contract before playing a game in the 2019 season.