A lot has been made about what Robinson Cano's future with the New York Yankees will look like. Set to hit the free agent market after the 2013 season, would the Yankees be able to retain their star second baseman? Cano is expecting a big contract and rumors began to swirl New York may or may not offer one. However, the Yankees front office has gone on the record saying they have offered Cano a significant contract extension.
No details have emerged about what exactly the term "significant" means in relation to salary or number of years. Yankees general manger Brian Cashman told MLB.com that an offer has been placed on the table for Cano and that the team is discussions with his agent, Scott Boras.
"Robinson is focused on preparing for and playing the 2013 season. By agreement, discussions shall remain confidential. Also, by agreement, discussions will cease if they are a distraction to Robinson's performance and leadership of the 2013 Yankees," Cashman said.
Boras has been responsible for some of the biggest contracts in baseball. He represents several marquee players including Prince Fielder, Matt Holiday and Alex Rodriguez. They are some of the highest paid players in the league. Boras' definition of "significant" and the Yankees definition of the term could be two different things.
It is estimated that Cano's price could be $20-$2 million per season with a contract of 10 years. If that happens, Cano would be 40 at the time the contract expires. At 30, the Yankees have to wonder if Cano will be worth the long contract. Rodriguez is a perfect example of getting worse with age. He signed a long-term contract with the Yankees and now might miss the entire season due to hip surgery.
Cano is certainly worth the price at this moment. He is a career .308 hitter and a two-time Golden Glove winner. He is constantly an MVP candidate amongst an aging Yankees' lineup. Last season, Cano batted .313, hitting 33 home runs and 94 RBI.
The Yankees are attempting to prevent a bidding war on the second baseman who is expected to draw a lot of interest if he becomes available after the season.