Following the completion of the 2013 MLB season, the New York Yankees knew they had to address multiple areas in order to remain competitive in the American League East division. After missing the postseason for just the second time in 19 seasons, New York watched as divisions rivals Tampa Bay and Boston reached the postseason, with the Red Sox even claiming the World Series Championship with a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Though injuries were a major part of the Yankees not being able to compete at their usual high level, with first baseman Mark Teixeira out for most of the season along with centerfielder Curtis Granderson, shortstop Derek Jeter, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and outfielder Brett Gardner, the Bronx Bombers are still in need of additional help, and their biggest target is a former member of the organization.
After the Yankees were able to sign former Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann to a five-year contract, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman turned their attention to second baseman Robinson Cano. The 31-year-old has been a strong force for the Yankees since joining the big league club in May of 2005. Posting a career batting average of over .300 to go along with 204 home runs, 822 RBI and over 1,600 hits, Cano has solidified himself as the top second baseman in all of baseball and now that he's a free agent, the Dominican Republic native wants his next paycheck to reflect that status.
Meeting with Cano's agent Brodie Van Wagenen on Tuesday, CBS Sports reports that the Yankees are undoubtedly interested in re-signing the second baseman even if they don't agree with his initial asking price. Cano is reportedly seeking a 10-year deal that would pay him $305 million, a high price and significant time-frame for a player who recently turned 31 years of age. Countering with an offer of seven years worth $161 million, Brian Cashman and Yankees higher-ups won't be interested in spending the world on Cano, especially since they've already inked their starting catcher and remain set on getting under the $189 million luxury tax threshold.
"There's still a pretty big gap," a source told ESPN regarding the contractual issues facing both the Yankees and Cano's reps. "But the Cano side did move a little, though the Yankees act as if they're not worried at all."
Cano said back in September that he loves New York and has enjoyed his time as a member of the Yankees organization. Knowing other teams would show interest however, Cano indicated months ago that he'd let the process play itself out.
"Who knows what's going to happen?" Cano said. "But I always play this game like it's the last day. This year, I just enjoyed to be here and I'm going to enjoy the last day, being here with all these guys. Nobody says that I'm leaving, nobody says that I'm staying. I haven't decided anything yet. Let's see what happens."
The two sides are expected to meet again soon to see if they can finally come to an agreement. If not, the Yankees may be forced to explore other options at second base, including the possible signing of Omar Infante. New York is also said to hold high interest in outfielder Carlos Beltran.
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