Mark Teixeira wants to continue playing baseball until he’s 40

Although he has been rattled with injuries over the years, Mark Teixeira wants to play baseball for several more years

When the New York Yankees won the 2009 World Series, they had a lot to be thankful for. One player to thank was Mark Teixeira, who the team signed to a $180 million deal for over eight years during the 2008 offseason. Tex became the rock the Yankees needed at first base after Jason Giambi was no longer with the team.

It appears that the injuries he has sustained over the years won’t stop Teixeira from doing what he loves. According to several reports, the soon-to-be 36-year old would like to play until he is 40. Whether it is still playing first or as a DH is still on the table.

In an interview with Newsday, Teixeira was asked if he would want to stay with the Yankees if that was the case.

"“Absolutely. That’s kind of the easiest question you could ever ask me. I’d love to stay here but we’ll see what happens at the end of the year.”"

His reluctance to keep on playing, especially with the Yankees, might be problematic. For one, the Yankees are starting to get younger. They have Greg Bird waiting to take over the mantle, among other players. Another factor is Teixeira’s health. Over the past four seasons, the first baseman has been derailed by injuries. He was limited to just 111 games this past season, needing to recuperate after sustaining a fractured right leg. Tex has also been a liability not just for his legs but for his back, which has been keeping him down for a while.

Whether Teixeira remains a Yankee or not after his deal expires is up to the team. If he is truly dedicated in making it to 40 as a major leaguer, he must have a very successful 2016 season. By being durable and productive, Tex might be able to get his wish.