Yankees Willing To Consider 'Significant Long-Term' Deal For Cano
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner says there is nothing new regarding contract talks with second baseman Robinson Cano, who could become a free agent after the season.
"We expressed to Scott (Boras) how much we like Robby and what a great Yankee he's been, and we hope he continues his career here for a long time to come," Steinbrenner told a small group of reporters Tuesday. "We just indicated to him on a very preliminary basis that we were willing to consider a significant long-term contract, and left it at that. There's really nothing to report since then."
Steinbrenner revealed two weeks ago that the team had talked with Boras, Cano's agent.
"The main purpose of the conversation was to just let him know we want Robbie to continue to be a Yankee," Steinbrenner said.
If the Yankees don't lock up Cano with a contract extension prior to free agency, the 30-year-old will likely be the most sought-after free agent in baseball heading into the 2014 campaign.
There's been speculation that Cano will be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of eight to 10 years with a yearly salary around $25 million.
The Yankees usually don't entertain extension talks while a player is still under contract. General manager Brian Cashman admitted in January the team may be "forced to look at" that policy.
"I told Hal, Randy (Levine) and Cash it's something we will have a conversation about," Boras said, according to the New York Post.
Despite a 3-for-40 stretch during the postseason, Cano had another stellar season at the dish in 2012. The four-time Silver Slugger Award winner batted .313 with 33 homers and 94 RBIs. He posted a .379 on-base percentage and smacked 48 doubles.
"I'm not thinking about (my contract)," Cano said Monday. "Those kinds of things? I'll just let my agent, Scott, handle it."
Steinbrenner also said there have been no talks with Girardi, who is in the final year of his contract.
What sort of deal do you think would keep Cano in the Bronx? Be heard in the comments...
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