Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said Tuesday contract talks with free agent Derek Jeter “could get messy.”
Speaking on ESPN Radio 1050, Steinbrenner said, “You just never know with these things. … Both parties need to be happy with the deal — that’s absolutely going to happen — and that may make things more complicated, I don’t know.”
He added, “There’s always the possibility that things could get messy.”
Jeter became a free agent for the first time when the World Series ended Monday night.
He is expected to re-sign with the Yankees, but the sides — who already have been in contact — could disagree on several things, including annual salary, length of contract, and a possible position change for the 36-year-old shortstop.
Jeter batted .270 this season, 44 points lower than his career average.
Steinbrenner said “we absolutely want him back” but would not commit to keeping the Yankees icon in pinstripes at any cost.
“I’ve got to try to do my job on behalf of the partnership and our partners and everybody else involved with the organization,” he said. “And Hank and I need to keep a level head and realize … that we’re running a business here.”
Steinbrenner also said the Yankees want closer Mariano Rivera back, and do have money to spend in the free-agent market, but would not comment on Rangers ace Cliff Lee specifically.