Opting Out
According to multiple reports, the new deal with Sabathia includes an opt-out clause after three years. This could really work to the Yankees advantage if they are smart. If Sabathia pitches the way he should over the next three years there is a good chance he opts out. By then we will know if Chamberlain and Hughes are truly top starters and if players like Brackman were worth the risk. They could then let Sabathia walk, get a bigger deal elsewhere and therefore be off the hook for the downside of his deal.
Some will argue that the clause gives Sabathia all of the upside and the Yankees all of the downside, but what MLB contract doesn't give all the upside to the player? With this clause, the Yankees will be able to reasses their need for Sabathia after 2011 when they may not have the same need for him as they do now.
