The Yankees want this one bad.
Yesterday, General Manager Brian Cashman revealed on Mike Francesa’s radio show on WFAN that the team has made a “significant” offer to all star second baseman Robinson Cano. Going against team policy in offering contracts during a season, the Yankees are making it well-known that they want Cano to remain in pinstripes well beyond the 2013 season.
Cashman declined to comment on the response from Cano or his agent, Scott Boras. Boras clients almost always hit free agency to build up leverage from bidding teams, and then cash in on the richest contract. The Yankees worry that if Cano tests the market, some team would make him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Cano is likely looking for a deal worth well over $20 million a year.
Cashman’s comments are uncharacteristic, considering he rarely discusses contract offers on players or impending free agents. Since fans are concerned with the goal of a $189 million payroll for 2014, the Yankees aggressive pursuit of Cano should ease that frustration a bit. Cano won’t be cheap, and the Yankees need him. They obviously need him for what he brings on the field, but for what he would mean to the franchise.
Cano,30, is the next lifetime Yankee. He is the next homegrown face of the franchise. However, as seen with Albert Pujols, nothing is certain.
