Robinson Cano Contract 2013: Seattle Mariners Sign Former Yankee With 10-Year, $240 Million Deal

Robinson Cano Yankees — The Yankees and Cano are nearly $80 million apart in contract talks, leaving many to believe that the second baseman will highly consider other opportunities. Reuters

After a brief period of negotiating with the New York Yankees while receiving high levels of interest from other ball clubs, free agent second baseman Robinson Canó has agreed to a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Seattle Mariners, according to multiple sources. The Mariners were desperate for offensive production to go along with a strong pitching staff and inking Canó to the 10-year deal should certainly help in that regard. Though the Yankees spent significant money upgrading the outfield and catcher positions - recently signing former Atlanta catcher Brian McCann and former Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury - the organization indicated that they would not offer any player a $200 million contract.

Standing their ground while giving McCann a five-year, $85 million deal and a seven-year, $153 million contract to Ellsbury, the Yankees feel they've added players who will contribute at a high level while not spending a boatload of money on one single player. Now set to join a Seattle team that finished the 2013 regular season with a record of 71-91, Canó hopes to improve a Mariners offense that hit a dismal .237 as a team, the worst average in the American League and 28^th overall in the 30-team MLB. The five-time All-Star should improve upon the power numbers and run production for Seattle as well.

Coming off another All-Star season in New York, the Dominican Republic native is poised to bring an elevated threat to the Seattle line-up. Slamming 27 home runs in New York last season while driving in 107 runs and batting a crisp .314, Canó will be a great addition to a struggling franchise. Kendry Morales led Seattle last season in RBI's with 80 while veteran Raul Ibanez smacked 29 homers but with the addition of a 31-year-old star who is efficient on both offense and defense, the Mariners hope to become more competitive in the American League West.

Competing against playoff contenders in Texas and Oakland on a yearly basis, the signing of a premier second baseman is certainly a step in the right direction, even if the length and finances of the contract seem a bit much to some.