John Smoltz Describes Nearly Signing With Yankees in 2001 Offseason

John Smoltz revealed how close he came to joining the Yankees during the 2001 offseason. A frustrated Smoltz called his agent that winter and instructed him to reach the Yankees. “(I) said, ‘Call the Yankees, tell him I’m going,'” Smoltz recalled to The Post’s Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on the latest “The Show” podcast.

His agent had previously promised a former Braves executive that he would circle back before any final decision. Those subsequent discussions with the Braves persuaded Smoltz to stay in Atlanta at the last moment rather than sign elsewhere after the Yankees had lost Game 7 of the World Series.

In the 2001 season he transitioned to a relief role with the Braves and recorded 10 saves over the final six weeks as their closer. He entered free agency seeking to return to the starting rotation. The Braves instead preferred him to remain as closer and valued that role at three years and $21 million, an amount he considered below his market value.

The Yankees viewed him as a starter. Smoltz said the team’s vice president of professional scouting offered a four-year, $52 million contract. “The negotiations did not go well in Atlanta,” he said.

He noted a desire to stay in Atlanta had led him to accept less money in prior contract cycles, though the gap this time was substantial. “I didn’t mind taking a little bit less, but this was a little bit crazy,” he said. Smoltz said he wanted to be paid the same as the Yankees’ closer that season.

“Mariano Rivera is the best in our business. Nobody’s better,” Smoltz recalled. “But I’m not taking a penny less than him. ” He served as the Braves’ closer for the duration of that contract before returning to a starting role in 2005 and remained with the team through the 2008 season.

He finished his career in 2009.