New York Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano agreed to a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners on Friday.
The deal would tie Albert Pujols’ current deal for the third largest deal in Major League Baseball history. Alex Rodriguez has the two largest contracts in MLB history. In 2001 Rodriguez signed a contract with the Texas Rangers for $252 million, and in 2008 he signed a $275 million contract with the Yankees, according to MLB.com.In 2012 Pujols signed a $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Cano, who was the premier free agent this year, hit .314 with 27 homeruns and 107 RBIs this year with the Yankees.
The Yankees had hoped to re-sign Cano, but they didn’t want to invest more than $175 million over a span of seven years. It’s been a busy offseason for the Yankees as they have signed outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and catcher Brian McCann. The Yankees are nearing a one-year deal with right-handed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda that will be worth $16 million, according to Yahoo Sports.
Cano is one of the best offensive players in the game. Since 2009 he has averaged 28 homeruns and 103 RBIs per season. He is a five-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glove winner, and a consistent MVP candidate. The Mariners need to improve their offense. They were second in the American League in homeruns, 12th in scoring and last in batting average this season. Cano should be a great and valuable asset to the Mariners.