An official with knowledge of the talks between Jeter, his agent Casey Close and the Yankees' administration said that the two sides made "significant" progress on the longtime captain's deal as the two parties met again this week, according to ESPN.com.
Earlier on Friday, the source announced the two sides "still had a long way to go" due to Jeter's reluctance to settle for a shorter-term contract or less money per year than was he was paid during his now-expired 10-year contract, which was $18.9 million per season.
"He can't seem to get to where this thing has to get to, meaning taking less money than he's making now, until he gets it into his head that it's not 10 years ago," the source said. "These people who are superstars, who live a different life and everyone's telling them they're the best, it's hard for them to psychologically get their arms around it. It's part of what makes him a great competitor. But until he comes to grips with that, they're not going to make a deal."
The source explained that it was "possible" that the Yankees and Jeter might come to a deal before the start of the winter meetings, which begin on Monday in Orlando, "but I'm not confident of that."
Another source told ESPN.com early Friday that although the Yankees were fluffing up Jeter's contract, they are still hesitant to add a fourth year to the deal. However, the possibility of a fourth year might rest upon Jeter's performance
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn't give any specifications Friday morning concerning the contract. However, it's clear both parties want to come to an agreement that concludes with Jeter staying in the Bronx.
"That's what both sides want," Cashman said. "We're both working hard to see if that can happen."
