C.C. Sabathia has signed a new deal with the New York Yankees. According to MLB.com, Sabathia and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year $8 million deal, all pending a physical. This new deal marks Sabathia's 11th consecutive year in a Yankees uniform. Sabathia will be taking his physical on Wednesday.

Earlier in the season, C.C. Sabathia often mentioned being willing to pitch for other teams next season, which appears to be his final season. He settled on focusing on the Yankees before trying other clubs in case he and the Yankees couldn't reach a deal.

Sabathia's new deal forces him to take a $2 million pay cut. The New York Yankees are proving to be a strong team, and some consider them the most "unhateable" Yankees.

Sabathia delivered a hall of fame performance in 2018

Sabathia had a strong 2018 season recording a 3.65 ERA in 153 innings pitched. He ended up striking out 140 batters and walked only 51. The Yankees would love to see a similar performance next season from Sabathia, who will probably become their fifth starter. According to the NY Post, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that he wanted to get CC back and jokingly said he would love to bring multiple CCs. Cashman is also working at signing other major free agent pitchers including Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel and Nathan Eovaldi.

In 10 Yankees seasons, Sabathia has compiled a 3.74 ERA in 1,810 ²/₃ innings pitched. He built himself up as a Yankees leader and a pillar of the community and even gained support when he opened up about his battle with alcoholism. New York already this offseason re-signed Brett Gardner, so keeping Sabathia maintains two veteran presences in the clubhouse.

Last week, the Yankees and Gardner reached an agreement on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, keeping him as the longest-tenured Yankee and out of the free-agent market.

CC Sabathia was one of the most sought-after pitchers in free agency

Three other teams were very interested in signing Sabathia, but he was strongly interested in returning to the New York Yankees since the end of the season.

The Yankees ended the season with a loss to the Red Sox in the American League Division Series.

C.C. Sabathia had some work done on his right knee, similar to the surgery he had in 2017. However, he's expected to be ready to pitch next season. He has been plagued with knee issues over the past years but continues to be a strong pitcher.

The Yankees have much more work to do this winter; only Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, and Sabathia can be counted on at this stage. New York is expected to sign at least two more starters. Cashman did confirm that Sonny Gray will not be joining Sabathia and the pitching rotation. Cashman has said that he doesn't think New York is the right spot for him. With Sabathia off the market, teams are now turning their focus towards Bryce Harper, a strong defensive player.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED