Yankees re-sign CC Sabathia | What it means

The Yankees and CC Sabathia have agreed to a one-year, $8-million deal, according to a report.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — One down, two to go.

The Yankees made their first starting rotation signing of the offseason Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year, $8-million deal with veteran lefty CC Sabathia, according the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.

Background: Sabathia, 38, will be taking a $2 million pay cut to rejoin the Yankees, with whom he’s played since 2009. Sabathia, who lives in Alpine, had said he wanted to remain in the Bronx but that he would be open to pitching elsewhere. It appears clear, from the price, that Sabathia could have played elsewhere and for more money but that he wanted to remain a Yankee.

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What it means: The Yankees have three-quarters of their starting rotation figured out. Sabathia, Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka have spots. The Yankees will look to add another two starting pitchers. They have been in contact with J.A. Happ‘s agent and are expected to be in play for free agent lefty Patrick Corbin. The Yankees also reportedly have spoken to the Indians about Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco and the Mariners about James Paxton.

What Brian Cashman said: The Yankees general manager said on Tuesday at the GM Meetings at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa that he would like to re-sign Sabathia, and like to do it sooner rather than later. Sabathia waited to sign late into free agency last year.

Something else to think about: The Yankees re-signed Brett Gardner for essentially a $3 million pay cut, too. Sabathia and Gardner each are considered leaders in the Yankees’ clubhouse. The Yankees likely hope to use each in reduced roles next year while keeping their veteran voices around the young talent.

Sabathia comes at what looks like a good price: Sabathia went 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA — his lowest since 2012 — in 29 starts, which was the second most in the Yankees’ rotation last year. That’s very good production out of a $8 million player, production the Yankees would be thrilled to get again.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.

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