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The New York Yankees have re-signed shortstop Derek Jeter to a one-year, $12 million deal, according to an announcement from the team. Jeter had a $9.5 million player option that he would have had to trigger by Monday, but the Yankees will instead pay him $2.5 million more as part of the new contract.
Although there was some doubt due to health issues in 2013, Jeter will return to the Yankees for his 20th season in the Bronx. A series of injuries forced the 39-year old to miss all but 17 games on the season for the Bronx Bombers, leading some to believe that he would retire instead of suiting up for next season.
It is currently unclear if Jeter will return to his spot as the Yankees' starting shortstop, and reports have indicated that the team will likely pursue Stephen Drew, who is now a free agent after winning a World Series with the Red Sox. Boston will likely extend a qualifying offer to retain Drew, making a reunion between those two sides likely.
In nineteen seasons with the Yankees, Jeter is a lifetime .312 hitter with 256 HR and 1,261 RBI. He has been named to the American League All-Star team on thirteen occasions, and has been the Yankees' team captain since 2003. While his new deal comes as a surprise due to the $2.5 million he got in addition to the amount of the player option, the Yankees likely pledged to do whatever it took to get Jeter back in pinstripes for a 20th go-around.