If Robinson Cano wants to remain a member of the New York Yankees, he is going to have to lower his asking price. The second baseman is asking for the largest contract in baseball history and the Yankees are not willing to give in to his demands. While the team has every intention of doing their best to retain the star, negotiations are getting farther apart by the day.
The Yankees have offered seven years, $160 million and they are not moving from that number. According to the YES Network, that is the team's likely final offer for Cano, take it or leave it. Cano has asked for eight years, $260 million. That is slightly lower than his original $300 million sticker price. The issue is the number of years. Jack Curry of the network reports New York is unwilling to add in that final year to the deal and are not moving north of $200 million in salary.
Cano may have the numbers to warrant a top deal, but teams are not interested in his current contract demands. It was highly expected that almost every team would reach out to Cano, but so far there is no bidding war happening for the All-Star. The Red Sox were once thought to be interested, but not with a surging Dustin Pedroia. The Dodgers like to spend money, but are unwilling to get Cano at that price. Detroit just acquired Ian Kinsler. The Rangers, another big-spending team have Elvis Andrus. Cano has no leverage with the Yankees.
As Cano works with his agents, the Yankees are not exactly waiting around for his answer. The team is stockpiling on other big names and if the second baseman waits too long, they might not have any money left to give him. Brian McCann is already under contract with a $75 million deal. Now, Hiroki Kuroda has an offer from the team.
ESPNNewYork.com reports the right-handed pitcher has been offered a one-year, $15 million deal to remain with the Yankees. Kuroda started the season hot for the team, but faded down the stretch. He finished with a 3.31 ERA, going 11-13 on the season. The Yankees are hopeful that he can remain a strong compliment to CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova in the rotation.
The Yankees are also pursuing a few other players. The team is keeping a close eye on Masahiro Tanaka, a Japanese starting pitcher. The MLB has not finalized a new posting agreement so his future remains in limbo. Carlos Beltran is also a top target as the Yankees look to boost the outfield.
New York is aiming to stay below the $189 million for luxury tax purposes. The Yankees are slowly filling up their budget, so if Cano is not careful the team's financial resources will be totally dried up.
