Derek Jeter’s Injury Opens Numerous Contract Possibilities

Eduardo Nunez is all of a sudden one of the most important players in the Bronx. The previously defensively-challenged shortstop was supposed to be a short-term solution with upside in 2013. Though his defense has improved, it’s unknown how he projects as a full-time player. With Derek Jeter breaking his ankle a second time, Nunez is all of a sudden the shortstop of the season and possibly the future.

Jeter is expected to be out until after the All-Star Break. Recovering from this sort of injury at his sort of position and his age could mean missing the entire year. For now, the Yankees will likely deploy a platoon of Nunez and Jayson Nix to fill the void. It should show the Front Office everything they need to know about Eduardo Nunez.

Of course, the injury also raises questions about what becomes of the Yankees’ captain next season, a season where every penny will be critical on the payroll.

Had Jeter performed anywhere near his 2012 campaign, it was distinctly possible he would opt out of his deal in 2014, accepting a three million dollar buyout and then resigning a new contract.

It would have meant more than the $9.5 million he would be owed as part of his player’s contract, plus the likeliness of at least one more year, but all of that would appear to be out the window.

Jeter is now faced with a near guarantee he will have to pick up his deal, which means the Yankees can lock him in at a preset amount and budget elsewhere. By 2015, when they are no longer under the $189 million dollar salary constraints, Jeter’s deal would be off the books (and he may retire, especially if he never recovers) and the Yankees would have even more money to spend.

Of course, New York would also have the chance of offering Jeter a qualifying offer, which would mean collecting an extra pick in the unlikely event Jeter seeks money elsewhere and providing a built in excuse and reward for the scenario. With this injury, it’s impossible to think another team would pay the shortstop more than 10-13 million guaranteed money (the player salary for 2013 or the qualifying offer).

In a worst case scenario, New York knows exactly what it will offer Jeter in what may end up becoming his final season in light of his ankle injuries.

While relying on Eduardo Nunez is no guarantee since Nunez is not a first ballot Hall of Famer and is unproven, the Jeter injury can be a blessing in disguise in the long run for a team who often gets stuck into overpaying on aging veterans.