Following a season that ended without an appearance in the playoffs, New York Yankees brass made it a priority to fill areas of need heading into the 2014 campaign. Maintaining all season that the organization would not go on a spending spree in order to get below the $189 million tax threshold, General Manager Brian Cashman and company seemed glued to the idea of acquiring new players in a fiscally responsible manner while also building from within. After signing former Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann to a five-year $85 million deal and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year contract worth over $150 million however, the Bronx Bombers proved once again that they're always willing to spend.
Though the club still feels they'll be able to get below that $189 million line while still adding outside help, multiple sources indicate that a high target may not wind up in Pinstripes as many originally thought. Second baseman Robinson Cano has been with the Yankees since coming up to the major leagues in 2005. Quickly developing into the top player at his position, the 31-year-old free agent is now looking for a contract that will reflect that honor. Early reports had Cano requesting a 10-year deal worth over $300 million, a massive contract for a player already in his thirties. After Cano denied ever asking for that figure, the Yankees sat down with the All-Star and his team of consultants in an attempt to get the player re-signed, but the meeting did not go as hoped.
According to ESPN, the five-time All-Star dropped his asking price and contract length but it still wasn't enough to satisfy the only professional club he's ever played for. After voicing his desire to receive a nine-year deal worth $28 million per season, Yankees higher-ups countered with a reported offer of seven years with $170 million in earnings. Not expected to meet again anytime soon after failing to come to an agreement, Cano is now receiving growing interest from multiple clubs across the MLB landscape with one American League team in particular hot on the 2009 World Series champions trail.
While the Washington Nationals have been tabbed in the past as a team said to have interest in Cano, CBS Sports indicates that the Seattle Mariners have emerged as a major contender in the Robinson Cano sweepstakes. Seattle may be willing to offer Cano a contract exceeding the $200 million range and if the career .300 hitter is set on getting as much money as possible, the Mariners could prove to be the best landing spot.
The Yankees would love to have Robinson Cano back in uniform but if Cano does not lower his asking price, it certainly does appear that the New York Yankees will stand their ground when it comes to offering $200 million dollar contracts. They've been burned in the past and don't want to entertain the idea of that happening again.
RELATED: MLB Free Agent Rumors: Nearly $80 Million Apart From New York Yankees, Will Robinson Cano Sign With Nationals?
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