As the 2013 Major League Baseball free agency period continues, multiple general managers across the league are exploring ways to improve their respective clubs heading into next season. While some of the big names including Jhonny Peralta and Brian McCann have already signed with new teams, other clubs have improved via the trade market, including the Texas Rangers sending Ian Kinsler to Texas in exchange for Prince Fielder. With a plethora of high profile free agents still on the open market, a lot could change heading into 2014. The New York Yankees, a team that traditionally never shies away from spending on the open market, has already addressed concern at the catching position by adding Brian McCann but with obvious areas of need, the Bronx Bombers are now set on bringing back on of their own.
When second baseman Robinson Cano hit the open market at the conclusion of the MLB season, it was understood that the 31-year-old would be highly sought by many clubs even though the Yankees remained the assumed landing spot. Making a point to note that the team wanted the All-Star player back in Pinstripes, GM Brian Cashman said that Yankee higher-ups would be willing to speak with those in Cano's camp but added that the club did have a financial ceiling because they needed to fill holes and because they're trying to get below the $189 million tax threshold. Reportedly asking for a nine-year deal that would pay him $28 million per season, Robinson Cano has set his asking price and now it is up to the Yankees if they want to offer that amount of time and money.
According to ESPN however, the Yankees have countered with an offer that likely won't stand out to the second baseman. Serving up a figure of $170 million over seven-years, New York and the free agent remain roughly $80 million apart, creating a significant problem as far as negotiations are concerned. Though a steep price gap reportedly exists, multiple sources cite that the two parties do not plan to meet early this week because they do not feel there is anything to further discuss.
Now that Robinson Cano and the New York Yankees are aware of each side's stance, the second baseman is expected to entertain other options. As MLB Trade Rumors notes, one team that could make a surprising play for Cano is the Washington Nationals. Despite the fact that the Nationals are set at every infield position heading into the 2014 season, with Adam LaRoche given the nod as starting first baseman, Ian Desmond on his way to receiving an extension at shortstop, Ryan Zimmerman manning the hot corner and rising talent Anthony Rendon at second, the National League East club could be in the market for a power burst as they look to get back to the playoffs after a down 2013 campaign.
In addition to the possible interest from the Washington Nationals, Cano could be pursued by the Seattle Mariners, a club that is in desperate need of offensive production to go along with their substantial pitching rotation headlined by Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma.
The free agent period is certainly a long and sometimes frustrating time period and even though the Yankees and Robinson Cano recently indicated that they will not hurry to continue talks, don't expect this to be the last time the two sides sit down to try and come to an agreement that would keep the five-time All-Star and World Series champion in the Bronx.
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