Robinson Cano is one of the biggest names in free agency come the offseason for major league baseball. The New York Yankees star is likely to request big-time money from any team willing to consider him. Many are wondering if Cano is worth a large contract given his age. As the Yankees prepare to say goodbye to the second baseman, could the Los Angeles Dodgers be the team to sign him?
Dodgers owner Magic Johnson told USA Today Sports that Los Angeles will not attempt to pursue Cano in the offseason.
"I can't talk about the other guy, but you already know that guy in New York is going to be paid. Not by us. But he's going to get paid," Johnson said.
Instead of signing Cano, Johnson confirmed the team's priority will be to re-sign star pitcher Clayton Kershaw. The Cy Young winner will not be a free agent until 2015, but the Dodgers are being smart and signing him now and not waiting for him to test the waters. Kershaw's price tag will be extremely high. The Dodgers have a lot of money to work with, but the pitcher almost signed a seven-year, $210 million contract this summer and will command more than that now.
"We're not worried about that," Johnson said. "We already know we've got to give him a lot of money. What's a few more zeroes. I mean, really?''
Yea, what is a few more zeros when a team apparently has a money tree growing next to their dugout? With Kershaw's contract likely to reach monster proportions, Cano is clearly out of the picture. The Yankees star is reportedly seeking a contract that will pay him $305 million, as reported by CBSSports.com. Cano wants a 10-year deal from someone that would earn him $30 million per season. For a player who is already 30, that is a real stretch.
The Yankees can afford Cano, as can the Chicago Cubs. The Los Angeles Dodgers are opting to focus on other areas. Manager Don Mattingly will also be needing a new contract. Many believed he had seen his final days with the Dodgers earlier in the season, but Johnson notes he is pleased with what Mattingly has done down the stretch.
"Donnie has been pushing the right buttons,'' Johnson said, "and the fans love him. ... But this is not the time to talk contract right now. After this is over with, everybody will see where they are, and go from there. So, right now, we just want to enjoy this moment.''
So if the Dodgers make it to the World Series then he gets a contract extension, but if not then he gets fired? One thing Dodgers can rule out is seeing Cano in a Los Angeles uniform next spring.