Robinson Cano is undoubtedly the best player on the New York Yankees right now, and a huge reason as to why they are even competing for a playoff spot. But Cano is not under contract after this year, and Yankees President Randy Levine said that he will not break the bank to re-sign the all-star second baseman.
The Yankees have always been known as a team that is willing to spend a ton of money. Since Major League Baseball has no salary cap, they usually go out and spend money on the best free agents available. But since the death of George Steinbrenner they have not been as willing to spend that money. In the Steinbrenner years it would have been a no doubter that the Yankees would pay Cano what he deserves, but the New York Daily News reports that the Yankees want to bring their payroll below $189 million for the 2014 season.
Based on previous contracts given out to Josh Hamilton, and Albert Pujols (both given by the Angels), two of the best hitters in baseball at the time of the contract, Cano is set for a huge payday. Cano is one of if not the best second basemen in baseball and will most likely be looking for a long term, big money contract.
While the Yankees want more than anything to keep their stud second baseman, Levine has made it clear that building a championship team is more important than one expensive player.
"Robinson Cano is a great player. We will sit down and talk to him...
"Nobody is a re-sign at all costs, but we want him back and we feel good about negotiating something with him. But nobody is a re-sign at any cost," said Levine according to SB Nation.
Cano is 30 years old now, is a five time all-star, and has two Gold Gloves to his name. In nine seasons with the Yankees he has 203 career home runs, and is more than likely their most important player right now. The Yankees are saying that signing him isn't imperative, but in reality it is the biggest thing they need to do this upcoming offseason.
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