The clock is ticking for Robinson Cano and the Yankees.
The Bronx Bombers made an offer to Cano for a seven-year, $160 million deal to keep the second baseman in pinstripes but, so far, Cano hasn’t budged from his request for a 10-year, $310 million contract. But the Yankees’ best offer to Cano has an expiration date, according to ESPN New York.
The Yankees reportedly have a goal to lower the team’s payroll for 2014 to under $189 million to cut their luxury tax burden, and after agreeing to an $85 million contract with Brian McCann, the team’s money is depleting. Yankees president Randy Levine has already made clear that the team isn’t interested in doing any 10-year deals and won’t pay any player $300 million. They plan to meet with Cano’s agents to reiterate their final offer.
The Yankees are reportedly close to inking a deal with former Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran, and they haven’t slowed down their pursuit of other free agents on the market. If Cano waits on the deal, the Yankees could lower their offer or move on entirely.
