According to CNNSI's Jon Heyman, Alex Rodriguez notified the Yankees on Sunday that he's opting out of his contract.

Rodriguez's decision means he will become a free agent and be able to negotiate with all clubs. Rodriguez's bombshell move will shake up the entire winter for the Yankees -- who had hoped to retain him with a big extension -- as well as other big-market clubs that will now pursue him.

Responding to the revelation, Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, confirmed he sent word of the opt-out decision in writing Sunday to the Yankees and expected the club to receive it by Monday. Boras also left phone and text messages with the same information for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

Instant reaction/analysis? Forget you A-Rod. For a guy that kept reiterating that he has an eye on his legacy and how it was never about the money, this sure reeks of being about the money. Since he never even sat down with the Yankees like they were asking him to, it sure seems like he just wanted out of NY, no?

In any case, Cashman laid it out to you throughout the year and I hope the man sticks to his guns so, so long Alex - enjoy the rest of your HOF career somewhere else and prepare for the worst the next time you step into NY (and Texas...and Seattle...well, I guess he should be used to it by now). Still, this should make his acceptance of the MVP award somewhat interesting though.

Via Big Ben K.