CC Sabathia will opt out of his Yankees contract and enter free agency on Monday night, according to a report. Sabathia has been the ace of the Yankees pitching staff since joining the team in 2009, signing a seven-year, $161 million deal. The Yankees made it a priority to extend Brian Cashman's contract in hopes to retain Sabathia for the upcoming season. With his decision to enter free agency, C.C. joins Albert Pujoles and Prince Fielder as the blue chip names that are looking for new homes in the off season.
Sabathia has accrued 59 wins in his three seasons with the Yankees. He also won the ALCS MVP in 2009, the same year he won the first ring of his career.
While he has decided to become a free agent, it doesn't necessarily mean that he won't return to the Yankees for next season. While the Yankees have been trying to sign him to a deal before Sabathia chose to opt out, this decision has been expected for some time. The Yankees remain the most likely place for Sabathia to be pitching in 2012.