By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Veteran closer Mariano Rivera will return to pitch for the New York Yankees next season, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

"He wants to play again," Cashman told ESPN.com. "I'll work with his agent, Fernando Cuza, on the details of a contract."

Cashman said Rivera informed him of his decision to come back Friday.

Rivera, known as baseball's best closer, leads the Major League with 608 saves and has won five World Series rings with the Yankees.

Rivera, who will turn 43 on Nov. 29 vowed to return after tearing his ACL in Kansas City in May.

"I'm coming back," an emotional Rivera said a day after the injury. "Put it down. Write it down in big letters. I ain't going down like this."

Last week, Rivera was singing a different tune, saying he was unsure of returning next season.

Now that Rivera made his decision, the Yankees will start the complicated negotiations for a new contract.

Rivera earned $15 million last season but the Yankees are expected to offer him a much lower deal, considering that he pitched for only nine games last season.

Rafael Soriano filled Rivera's position last season, converting 42 of 46 save opportunities but his agent said the closer will turn free agent to test the market.

 

 

 

Yankees Closer Mariano Rivera to Return Next Season