Robinson Cano, the New York Yankees’ All-Star second baseman, is seeking the richest deal in baseball history, a contract that will pay him $305 million over 10 years, according to published reports.
Although he is a five-time All-Star and a career .309 hitter who slugs 28 home runs and drives in 102 runners in an average year, Cano would be 40 – well past a player’s prime – when the contract would run out.
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The New York Daily News says Cano and the Yankees are far apart on their proposals, and it cited a source who said the Yankees approached Cano earlier this season to talk about an eight-year, $138 million deal. That’s what the crosstown Mets gave its franchise player, David Wright, last year. Cano and Wright share similar statistics, though Wright has lost some of the pop in his bat since the Mets moved to a more spacious Citi Field.
Cano recently signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports.
Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers became the highest-paid second baseman in baseball when he signed a five-year,
$75 million deal before the season, according to ESPN. The Red Sox, meanwhile, gave their second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, a $110 million extension over eight years.
But that’s almost chump change compared to what the Los Angeles Dodgers have been willing to spend over the past year, and many have speculated the team would jump at the opportunity to land Cano. The Dodgers, however, are eager to sign young ace Clayton Kershaw, who could win his second Cy Young Award in three seasons later this fall.
“I haven’t decided anything yet,” Cano told ESPN. “But don’t get me wrong. I love this team, you know?”
Cano is batting .315 with 27 home runs and 106 RBI this season.
“If we don’t make it to the playoffs, I want to take my time, go on vacation and relax,” Cano told ESPN. “Then I want to sit down with my family and decide what to do.”
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