New York Yankees: CC Sabathia wants to Return in 2019

Even though CC Sabathia turned 38-years-old today, he would like to continue pitching through the 2019 season.  As the New York Yankees have question marks in the rotation, they would most likely welcome him back with open arms next season.

In an article by Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com, New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia explained his desire to hold off on retirement.

"“I’m [going] start to start,” Sabathia said in Cleveland last weekend, prior to his final start of the first half. “I go out one start and feel like I can pitch five more years. I go out another start and I’m [feeling] done. But if I can stay healthy — if my knee holds up — hopefully I’ll play one more.”"

This is great news for the Yankees as Sabathia is currently having another solid season.

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Through 18 starts in 2018, Sabathia holds a 6-4 record with a 3.51 ERA.  He has pitched 100.0 innings so far allowing 98 hits and 29 walks.  This is good for a 1.270 WHIP on the year.

Despite having a stellar 18 year career to this point, there are still some who question if he is worthy of a Hall of Fame induction.  Sabathia commented on Hall of Fame talk in that same MLB.com article, saying that he does not think about it or pitch for the numbers.

Even though Sabathia does not pitch for numbers, he has incredible career numbers.  He has compiled 243 career wins, 2923 career strikeouts, and he holds a 3.72 career FIP.

Sabathia is a 6-time All-Star, earned the Cy Young award winner in 2007, and won a World Series in 2009.

CC has 23 career games played in the postseason where he has compiled a 10-6 record.  He was also awarded the MVP of the 2009 American League Championship Series.  In that series, he pitched 16.0 innings while only allowing 2 earned runs.  He also held a 0.750 WHIP during the ’09 ALCS.

After signing a one year, $10 million contract during the 2017 offseason, Sabathia will be a free agent again in 2018.

Although he is a free agent, It would be hard to imagine him leaving the Bronx as he is a clubhouse leader on a very talented, young team.

Next: Yankees starting pitching report card

Sabathia returning for a 19th season would be a great thing to see as he could add even more accomplishments to his already Hall of Fame worthy resume.