After speculation that he would go home and manage the Chicago Cubs, the Yankees have announced that they have re-signed Joe Girardi. The new deal will keep the manager in pinstripes through the 2017 season, and is worth a total of $16 million which could increase due to bonuses.
Girardi, who turns 49 next week, is coming off what is probably his best year as a manager, even though his club only won 85 games and failed to reach the postseason for just the second time since 1994. Girardi was able to mix and match players, getting the most production he possibly could in order to overcome multiple injuries.
The Yankees offered Girardi a lucrative deal last Friday, and then sat back and waited for a decision. It was reported that Cubs GM Theo Epstein was ready to outbid the Yankees, but he would’ve had to wait until November 1 in order to formally offer a contract. The Yankees declined permission for Girardi to speak with any other team, hoping they could come to terms before the current deal officially expired. As early as Monday, reports were circulating that Girardi was “torn” between the Cubs and returning to New York. Replacing Tim McCarver in the FOX broadcast booth was rumored to be a possibility for Girardi as well.
Girardi owns a 624-474 managerial record over eight years. He won the Manager of the Year Award in ’06 with the Marlins, guiding the young team to a surprising 78-84 record. In six years with the Yankees, his teams have made the playoffs four times, winning one World Series title in 2009.
