TAMPA, Fla. — Mariano Rivera hinted 2012 could be his final year in the major leagues, saying he won’t announce his long-term plans until after the season.

The New York Yankees 42-year-old closer says he has reached a decision about whether he will retire or return in 2013 but said he won’t reveal it until “maybe October.”

“I know,” Rivera said. “I’ll tell you when I’m ready.”

Rivera, the career saves leader with 603, is signed through this season. Following the retirements of Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, Rivera and 37-year-old Derek Jeter are the only remaining players from the core group that led the Yankees’ resurgence.

“My kids want me home,” Rivera said Monday. “They were ready for me to stay home. I had to tell them, I have a job to do. I have obligations.”

Should he retire, Rivera has many interests away from baseball.

“I have my church, my family,” he said. “I’ve been blessed in amazing ways. I’ve have a great career, but at the same time, there’s other things to do.”