It’s hard to imagine that Derek Jeter began his MLB career 15 years ago. He’s become one of the most recognizable players in the game and will be for years, perhaps decades to come. Now, he finds himself in a position to negotiate for a new contract after finishing a 10-year, $189M deal. Of course, he’ll be dealing with his hometown New York Yankees, but for the first time in his career, his actual worth may fall below what his demands will be.

Reports are out there saying that Jeter wants a six-year deal. Can somebody tell him he’s currently 36 years old? We’ve watched his talent decline over the last few seasons. He’s still playing at an acceptable level now, but how’s he going to look at 42? Does the Yankee captain really want to risk finishing his career looking like an on-field joke? The former AL Rookie of the Year and 10-time all-star is starting to show his age. He’s known for his consistently high batting average, but this year it fell 64 points from .334 in 2009 to .270 in 2010.

Jeter deserves a fair contract for everything he’s done, from his consistent hitting to his respectable off-field behavior to the fact that he’s been the face of the franchise for a decade. Still, he already has trouble making plays at shortstop that many others in the league make look easy. Jeter should accept what he’s become – and that’s not a designated hitter, by the way – and understand that a six-year deal would be taking advantage of the empire that has made him famous.

The Yankees should come up with a new kind of contract for their captain. Perhaps a two- or three-year deal with multiple one-year mutual options on it. Let Jeter’s season-to-season performance determine whether he should continue wearing the pinstripes. If he plays well, bring him back. If he doesn’t, compensate him accordingly to save face and show that the Yankees take care of their own. Jeter has to finish his career in New York. Anywhere else just wouldn’t be right for baseball, but there’s no way he should finish his career in 2017.