Robinson Cano Joins Yankees For 4 Year $30M Deal
The Yankees traditionally have eschewed giving long-term contracts to their young players. Robinson Cano became an exception to that Thursday.
The Yankees finalized a four-year contract that guarantees second baseman Cano at least $30 million. With club options for 2012 and 2013, it could turn into a six-year, $57-million contract.
There have been times, general manager Brian Cashman said, that the Yankees have been on the path to getting something done, as with Derek Jeter years ago, but owner George Steinbrenner blanched. There have been other times, Cashman said, that the Yankees have wanted to do something but couldn’t get the player and agent to come to their negotiating neighborhood, as with a young Bernie Williams. But mostly, the Yankees simply haven’t tried to lock up players until they hit free agency.
“Robby is one of the emerging talents in the game,” Cashman said by phone. “He’s a tremendous hitter, and he’s dedicated to getting better and better … He has the chance, God willing, if he stays healthy and productive, he’s going to have a tremendous career. He’s already proven he can play in New York. When you have players that prove they can handle the stress and pressure of playing here, like Robby has, you’ve got to put your arms around them.”
Cano’s agent, Bobby Barad, said by phone: “We’re very happy. That was the goal when we started these conversations. We both knew each other quite well and had some conversations going back to as far as spring training. Just through those conversations, both of us had interest.”
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