Report: Yankees, Cano far apart in negotiations
The New York Yankees and free agent second baseman Robinson Cano are about $150 million apart in contract negotiations, CBS Sports reported Monday.
Cano is reportedly asking for $310 million over 10 years while the Yankees are offering about $160 million over seven years.
The Yankees are also looking at other options at second base while Cano tests free agent waters.
Rap mogul Jay-Z's Roc Nation represents Cano with Brodie Van Wagenen as the primary agent. However, Jay-Z is also reportedly heavily involved in the process.
Van Wagenen told MLB Network Radio on Sunday that Jay-Z has been "intimately involved in all areas" of the negotiations.
Cano is considered the best player on the free agent market. The 31-year-old had a batting line of .314/.383/.516 with 41 doubles, 27 home runs and 107 RBIs in 2013. He has been a top-six finisher in American League MVP voting in each of the past four seasons.
However, the Yankees reportedly do not view Cano as having the same star power shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez used to have.
The Yankees are reportedly interested in possible trades and have checked the availability of Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. They are adding utility infielder Brendan Ryan for insurance.
New York is also pursuing free agent shortstops Stephen Drew and Jhonny Peralta. Drew can also play second base and both could play third, depending on Jeter's health and Rodriguez's suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
