ESPN.com reports that New York general manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees would not discuss Sabathia's opt-out clause with the pitcher until this season is completed. Sabathia has an opt-out clause that would allow him to get out of his contract with New York after this season.
"We haven't had any discussions about having any discussions about a contract extension," Cashman told the media. "We're not focusing on that."
Cashman also went on to say, though, that he and the Yankees "fully expect [Sabathia] to be here."
The left-handed pitcher signed a seven-year, $161 million deal prior to the 2009 season, but that deal has a clause that would allow Sabathia to terminate the deal after his third season (this one) in pinstripes.
One thing to keep in mind will be the contract of Cliff Lee. The Yankees made a strong push for the left-hander before he ended up signing with Philadelphia. There are those that think that the type of attention Lee commanded in the offseason, along with the Yankees' strong pursuit of him, may make a Sabathia opt-out more likely.
If Sabathia does choose to do so, though, he'll be walking away from almost $100 million left on his current deal.
