The New York Yankees have made qualifying offers to second baseman Robinson Cano, starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda and outfielder Curtis Granderson.
This was first reported by Buster Olney.
Yankees announce they have made qualifying offers to Robinson Cano, Hiroki Kuroda and Curtis Granderson, As expected.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 4, 2013
It is expected that Robinson Cano and Hiroki Kuroda would reject the one-year qualifying offer worth $14.1 million, and test free agency. If Robinson Cano were to sign with another team, the Yankees would receive a compensatory draft pick in next year’s first-year player draft. Robinson Cano is the premier talent of this offseason’s free agent class and could sign with a number of suitors. Hiroki Kuroda could likely find a team to sign him but he will weigh the idea of retirement, returning to the Yankees or even returning to Japan.
Curtis Granderson is the player who faces this offer with a few more clear cut options. He could accept the qualifying offer and return to the Yankees and the favorable short porch in Yankee Stadium. It would be a slight pay cut from his $15 million deal but the injuries he suffered during the 2013 season will weigh on his decision. The injuries he suffered were not of his own fault and could not have negative effect on a contract he signs with another team. His talents could find him a job with another team regardless of the injuries. But he may also feel that the injuries harmed his value and could return to the Yankees for another full season looking to have an injury-free and far more productive season to increase his value and land a bigger contract following next season.
Players receiving qualifying offers have until November 12 to decide whether to accept them.
