Yankees' Robinson Cano Focused On Upcoming Season, Not Free Agency
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano will be a free agent after the 2013 season, and he'll be in line for a major payday if and when he hits the open market.
If the Yankees don't lock up Cano with a contract extension prior to free agency, the 30-year-old will likely be the most sought-after free agent in baseball heading into the 2014 campaign.
Will he or will he be a Bronx Bomber after this season? Nobody knows, but Cano insists that he's not focusing on the upcoming situation as he prepares for this season.
"I don't feel anything about nervousness," Cano said. "To be honest, I'm not focused on free agency. My focus right now is on the 2013 season. I still have one more year under contract and my mind right now is just on helping the team win another championship."
The four-time All-Star had his $15 million option picked up by New York in October, which came as a surprise to no one.
But now the countdown to uncertainty begins.
Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said that the Yankees had "a conversation or two" with Scott Boras, Cano's agent, according to MLB.com.
"I'm not thinking about anything," Cano said. "Those kinds of things? I'll just let my agent, Scott, handle it."
Reports have surfaced that the two-time Gold Glove Award winner will be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of eight to 10 years with a yearly salary of $25 million.
As New York attempts to get its payroll down to $189 million by 2014, the prospect of re-signing Cano seems far from a sure thing.
"It's not about the money, but I don't want to go into details right now," Cano said. "I'm just focused on playing the game and helping the team win another championship."
Cano told MLB.com that he's unsure if he'd be willing to discuss a contract extension during the season, something that is not common practice for the Yankees.
"That's a good question, (and) I haven't really thought about it," Cano said. "Right now, I'm just focused on playing the game and getting ready for spring training, now that we're not going to have Alex (Rodriguez)."
Despite a 3-for-40 stretch during the postseason, Cano had another stellar season at the dish in 2012. The four-time Silver Slugger Award winner batted .313 with 33 homers and 94 RBIs. He posted a .379 on-base percentage and smacked 48 doubles.
If Cano is asking for eight to 10 years at $25 million per season, should the Yankees give it to him? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
