Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano is reportedly unhappy in the Pacific Northwest and could be interested in heading back to New York to play for the Yankees. The $240 million contract for Cano makes that deal unlikely and the rumors come as the Mariners have signed Chris Iannetta to a free agent deal.
Cano signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Mariners and according to John Harper of the New York Daily News, Cano is not too happy after just two seasons. Harper writes that a " long-time friend" said that Cano is unhappy playing in Seattle, "especially with a new regime in charge" and that he would like to "find his way back to New York." Cano had a tough start to the 2015 season while dealing with some health issues, but he finished strong and ended up hitting .287 with 21 home runs and 79 RBI last season.
This is the second time in as many weeks that Cano has been in the headlines and the news has not been positive. Last week former Mariners coach Andy Van Slyke criticized Cano, saying he did not work hard enough last season and that he was the reason why the team made changes to the front office. While those criticisms might have been a bit overblown, it was not a good look for the organization.
The Mariners had a disappointing season in 2015 and that resulted in some big changes, including the firing of Jack Zduriencik and Lloyd McClendon, which led to the hiring of Jerry Dipoto to take over as general manager. All of those changes coupled with the mediocre play of the team could be part of the reason why the Cano rumors have come up, but that doesn't mean a deal will happen.
Also a little update on this story from local reporter Shannon Drayer: "Cano's agent called Dipoto this morning and told him report of Cano not being happy in Seattle did not come from his client."
The money is the main issue and realistically the only way a deal like this could happen is if the Mariners take around $100 million in salary and there doesn't seem to be any desire to do that. Some have suggested that the Mariners could take Jacoby Ellsbury in a deal for Cano, which would be "bad contract for bad contract," but CBS Sports reporter Jon Heyman writes that there is "nothing going on" regarding a deal.
Jerry Crasnick at ESPN reports that the Mariners may consider trading Mark Trumbo this offseason. Crasnick writes that "several rival execs said they expect" Trumbo to be moved by Dipoto, as he is "not a great fit in Dipoto's revamp of Mariners roster." If Trumbo is traded, the Mariners could consider going after a free agent first baseman like Chris Davis.
The Mariners have been a busy team this offseason and the Iannetta move is the latest one by Dipoto, who said that he is hoping to reshape the roster to be more athletic and deep. According to ESPN.com, Iannetta has signed a one-year deal for the Mariners after playing the last four years with the Angels. Last season Iannetta his just .188 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI, but in his career he is a .231 hitter and that is an upgrade over what Mike Zunino did for the team last season.
The Mariners are interested in bringing back Hisashi Iwakuma as a free agent and the pitcher reportedly is willing to return to Seattle. Tigers general manager Al Avila said that the team will be "in the mix" for Iwakuma and teams like the Angels and Orioles also could be interested. Iwakuma would net the Mariners a draft pick if the pitcher signs elsewhere after declining the team qualifying offer.
