New York Yankees: 5 Players Who Won't Return in 2014

Look at the current New York Yankees 25-man roster.  I guarantee half of them will not return to the team in 2014.

After the 2013 season, the Yankees are on the hook for approximately $88.6 million dollars, which only includes six players, and doesn't include players available for arbitration.

Hal Steinbrenner and the Yankees are aiming to keep their payroll under $189 million to avoid paying luxury taxes.  With Robinson Cano and Phil Hughes' contract expiring, there isn't enough money to pay and keep everyone.

Here are the five players who will not return in 2014.

Hiroki Kuroda

The Japanese-born pitcher may not be returning to the Yankees rotation in 2014.

Kuroda arguably had a decent year with the Yankees going 16-11 with an 3.32 ERA.  The only knock against him is his tendency to allow many hits during a game.

There is a big possibility the Yankees could trade Kuroda at the deadline. With Michael Pineda returning to the roster in sometime this season and Kuroda earning $15 million, the Yankees should attempt to extract value for the soon to be 38-year-old player.

Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson could potentially be playing center field for another team after the trading deadline.

Granderson hit .232 with 43 HRs and 106 RBI in 2012, but was inconsistent.  The lefty struck out a career high 195 times, second most in the majors.

The Yankees owe the 31-year-old $15 million in the final year of his contract.  With Yankees top prospect Mason Williams preparing for his possible call up in 2014, the Yankees could move Granderson to extract the most value out him.   

If the Yanks wish to lower payroll, they can’t afford an inconsistent hitter earning $15 million a season.

Ivan Nova

Ivan Nova’s name is buzzing in trade rumors again.

Back in December, ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand tweeted,“Yankees are listening to offers on Granderson, Hughes and Nova.”

The 26-year-old Dominican Republic native had a rough second half of the season, finishing 12-8 with a 5.02 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP.  Nova will still have the chance to improve after only his second full season in the majors.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman should seek to improve the roster by trading for a better, younger third baseman, outfielder or more pitching in return for Nova.

Andy Pettitte

The 2013 season will be the final year of Andy Pettitte as a Yankee. 

The veteran left-hander will likely retire after the season to spend more time with his wife and four children in Texas. 

Pettitte has a career record of 245-142 with a 3.86 ERA.  The left-hander has the most wins as a starting pitcher in postseason history with 19 and has one of the best pickoff moves to first base in the majors.

After Pettitte’s retirement, Jeter will be the only core-four player remaining. 

Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera will likely retire at the end of this upcoming season.  

One of the best closers of all-time will get his proper send off this season after suffering a season-ending knee surgery in 2012.

After having been diagnosed with a torn ACL, Rivera stated, “I’m not going out like this.”

The five-time World Series champion is the all-time leader in saves with 608.  He has a career 76-58 record with a 2.21 ERA. 

David Robertson will most likely replace Rivera as closer after Rafael Soriano signed with the Washington Nationals.

It will be a sad day in New York when Rivera officially retires.