Yankees expected to ask Mariano Rivera to take a pay cut

The Yankees hold leverage on the 43-year-old alltime great because they know he won't pitch anywhere else.

If he pitches, Rivera is not expected to work for anyone but the Yankees. (US Presswire)

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- The Yankees are expected to ask their alltime great closer Mariano Rivera to take a significant paycut.

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Rivera made $15 million last year, but estimates for a new offer are closer to $10 million. The Yankees could add incentives that could boost his base pay.

"It's like the Red Sox with Jason Varitek or Andy Pettitte with the Yankees last year. The Yankees know he won't pitch anywhere else," said one person familiar with their thinking.

It's like Derek Jeter, too. The Yankees hold leverage because they know Rivera won't pitch elsewhere.

Rivera, 43, is also coming off season-ending knee surgery. Rivera recently told Yankees GM Brian Cashman he wanted to come back to pitch next year.

Bob Klapisch in the Bergen Record first raised the idea that Rivera would have to take a cut.

The Yankees made the $13.3 million qualifying offer to Rivera's replacement Rafael Soriano, but he isn't seen as especially likely to accept it. The Yankees might be willing to give Soriano a two-year deal, but there's no certainty they'll work out a deal with him.