New York Magazine reported on Sunday that Rodriguez could end up with the Chicago Cubs next season with a contract that could be worth as much as $30 million a year for 10 years and includes an ownership stake in the team.

The All-Star third baseman can opt-out of the $252 million contract he signed with the Texas Rangers six years ago at the end of this season.

Rodriguez is batting .312 and leads the major leagues with 52 home runs, 146 RBI and 138 runs scored, leading the surging Yankees (90-65) to a 5 1/2-game lead over the Detroit Tigers (85-71) in the American League wild card race.

According to the magazine, Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, has already identified the leading candidate to buy the Cubs and has begun negotiations on a contract. If that is true, it could lead the Yankees to file tampering charges, since Rodriguez already is under contract.

Citing sources, the magazine reported that the deal could reach the $30 million per year level over 10 years, with part of the contract deferred toward an eventual stake in the franchise.

Yankees executive Randy Levine responded harshly to the magazine piece.

"It's a silly story, and we don't believe it," Levine told ESPN.com. "However, if it was true, it would be grounds to disqualify the applicant even before he went through the process, because it would demonstrate a disregard for major league rules and procedures, and we're confident the commissioner would feel the same way."

ESPN.com reported that Levine later said he spoke to Commissioner Bud Selig, who agreed with Levine's interpretation of the story, and its possible implications.

A player can neither have part ownership of a team nor negotiate for future ownership.