I figured his option would be picked up to trade him. Problem is that another team won't offer as much as one would think unless they had assurances that he would sign for an additional few years. Moreover, with his past (a chronic complainer wherever he's been), his diminishing abilities and his age, he certainly won't command a top rate starter in return. But, NY should get something in return although they may have to help pay his overpriced option.

The key is that by signing him and then paying to trade him, they can pretty much control where he ends up, rather than cutting him loose and let a division rival snatch him up.

My feeling is that if and when he is dealt, there won't be any long faces in the clubhouse.