According to multiple reports, the New York Yankees (i.e. Brian Cashman) did not make an offer to free-agent pitcher Cliff Lee while meeting today with the free-agent lefty, his wife and agent Darek Braunecker at Lee’s Arkansas home.
That doesn’t mean today only served as a passive meet-and-greet. In fact, the Yankees, it seems, sent Lee a very clear message during their visit with Lee & Co.
According to Mike Silva’s New York Baseball Digest, Cashman told Lee to go through the free-agent process, talk with any team he chooses and then come back to the Yankees, at which point they will top any offer he receives.
Per Silva’s report, the Yankees would like to keep the deal to five years, but might include an option for a sixth year. The team is said to be willing to pay Lee a minimum of $25 million per season on any deal. And the money is just the beginning.
New York, reports Silva, is also believed to be willing to pay Lee’s New York state income tax (offsetting Texas‘ no state income tax advantage), give Lee an opt-out clause in the contract and provide him with a private jet to take he and his family to and from their Arkansas home in style.
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