The New York Yankees and second baseman Robinson Cano recently
began discussions on a multi-year contract extension, according to Jon Heyman
of CBS Sports. However, a resolution appears “nowhere in sight,” and Heyman
adds that there appears to be a “decent chance” that Cano becomes a free agent
following the 2013 season.
While the sides involved haven’t conceded that Cano will hit
the open market next offseason, Heyman says it’s evident there’s plenty of work
to do. He adds that while the Yankees view Cano as a top 10 or 15 talent, he and
agent Scott Boras believe he’s even more elite.
If that’s the case, it would be hard to argue with Cano, who’s
finished in the top six of AL MVP voting for the past three years. Last season
he turned in his best performance, hitting .313/.379/.550 with 48 doubles and
33 home runs.
The Yankees and Cano have expressed interest in a long-term
agreement, and New York broke tradition by even starting negotiations with the
second baseman. Generally, the Yankees followed a policy of allowing long-term
contracts to expire before attempting to extend players.
However, Cano is not just any player. He’s one of the best
pure hitters in the game and, considering his age and current production level,
the Yankees’ best position player.
Cano will use these factors to attempt to generate a 10-year
commitment from the Yankees, while New York will aim for eight guaranteed
years, according to Heyman. The average annual value figures to be in the $20
to $25 million range.
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