Could Mariano Rivera finally be ready to retire? (AP)

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who is awaiting a second opinion about having surgery on his vocal chords, speculated that next season could be his last in the major leagues. The soon-to-be 42-year-old is entering the final year of his contract.

“I don’t know what will happen,” he told the New York Post. “I have one year left. I might call it over. I will know more in spring training.”

Rivera has been dealing with a condition that has affected his voice, and he is considering surgery to see if the problem can be fixed.

“Every time I talk it gets worse and worse,” he said.

Rivera also was asked about Jonathan Papelbon leaving the Red Sox to sign a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies.

“I have no reaction — that’s the market and he took advantage of it,” said Rivera, who is playing under a two-year, $30 million deal. “He is a good kid, he means well. He is a hard worker. I wish him the best.”