Yankees' Teixeira Says He Wants To Play 5 More Seasons
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork) – Mark Teixeira will turn 36 in April and has averaged playing in just 93 games over the past four seasons, but the Yankees' first baseman says he'd like to play another five years, preferably in pinstripes.
"My body feels so good. Why not play until I'm 40?" Teixeira told reporters Wednesday. "Being the kind of hitter I am, I can be a DH the last few years of my career, which could really prolong it. I would love to play that long."
When asked if he would like to retire a Yankee, Teixeira answered: "That's probably the easiest question you could ask me. I'd love to stay here, but we'll see what happens at the end of the year."
Teixeira is coming off a successful season, albeit another injury plagued one. He batted .255 with 31 homers in 2015, but suffered a season-ending leg injury in August.
The three-time All-Star, who has also battled wrist and hamstring injuries in recent seasons, is entering the final year of an eight-year, $180 million contract. Many observers believed Greg Bird would take over for Teixeira at first base in 2017, but Bird will miss this season with a torn labrum. That lost year of development might mean the Yankees will be in search for a stopgap solution at first base for next season, meaning Teixeira could potentially hang around a bit longer on a short contract.