Robinson Cano was a star in New York City. However, when free agency rolled around, he chased the money and departed for the Seattle Mariners. Now, the Mariners are not winning and the Yankees are growing into contenders once again and Cano is regretting his decision. According to the New York Daily News, Cano wants back in the Bronx, but fans should not expect a reunion.
According to John Harper of the Daily News, Cano wants to come back to New York as he is reportedly unhappy with the Seattle franchise. However, Andrew Marchand of ESPN.com reports that Yankees' fans should not expect a reunion from the star as he no longer fits the profile of players the team is targeting. General manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that the Yankees are not interested in long-term investments for players over 30. At 33, Cano does not match the profile and after he turned down one offer Cashman made him, a return is not expected.
Yes, the Yankees need infield help. Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley are not looking like solid options for the future at second base. There were reports that the Yankees were willing to shop Jacoby Ellsbury and his five-year, $105 million remaining contract to the Mariners for Cano, but that has been shot down by Marchand. Instead of acquiring the overly expensive Cano, the Yankees plan on looking elsewhere for help.
Could elsewhere be Chicago and Starlin Castro? According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees and Cubs have discussed a swap of Castro and Brett Gardner. The deal made sense for everyone as Castro's contract is manageable while he fits a need in New York. However, ESPN's Jim Bowden reports the Yankees are in no hurry to shop Gardner in potential deals which ended talks with the Cubs. The team did acquire Aaron Hicks in a trade who could fill the void of Gardner, but the Yankees do not seem sold on the idea just yet.
Instead, the team is looking at free agency for help. Ben Zobrist is being considered as option along with Chase Utley despite his age for infield help. The Yankees have no plans on overspending for talent, but both Zobrist and Utley could be acquired for a decent price. Pitching will be another priority as New York will have to decide if they give a big contract to an infielder or a starting arm as players like David Price, Johnny Cueto and Zack Greinke will be dangled in the team's face.