maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think an extension works that way Ok, I will spell it out... 2008-2010 financial obligations (eliminated if Rodriguez voids): NY: $50,695,500 (08:$15.884M, 09:$16.8985M, 10:$17.913M) Texas: $21,304,500 (08:$8.116M, 09:$7.1015M, 10:$6.087M) So, lets say ARod voids the contract and signs a 7 year 30M per year contract with the Cubs, he will receive 210M and the Cubs will be paying him 210M Instead, the Yanks could offer him a 4 year extention paying him 39.75M a year from 2010-2014. ARod would receive 231M, the Yanks would be paying 210M, and the Rangers would be paying 21M. SO, basically, the yanks can offer ARod 21M more than any other team, while only spending the same as any other team because they'd be paying him with some Texas money. If leaving NY is worth 21M to ARod, then I can see him leaving, but also, don't forget that assumes the Yanks would match the best "offer". Most likely they can outbid anyone they want, he is obviously their most important player, AND they have $ coming off the books. I'd be shocked if the Yanks and ARod didn't agree to an extention. I would argue that at $30 mil a season, leaving $9 mil on the table for a happier place might be worth it its not like he'd be playing for peanuts