The gap between second baseman Robinson Cano and the New York Yankees on a new contract is enormous, with sources telling ESPN's Buster Olney that the soon-to-be free agent is seeking approximately $305 million over 10 years.
People familiar with Cano's thinking have a sense that he will take the biggest offer he receives this winter, regardless of whether it comes from the Yankees or another team.
The $305 million represents the total value of Alex Rodriguez's record-setting deal if he achieves all of the built-in incentives.
Cano, the Yankees' best hitter and a five-time All-Star, told Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com on Wednesday that he won't rush into anything, meaning the Yankees probably won't be able to take advantage of the exclusive negotiating window a club has with its free agents, which expires six days after the end of the World Series.
"If we don't make it to the playoffs, I want to take my time, go on vacation and relax," Cano said. "Then I want to sit down with my family and decide what we gonna do."
Cano, 30, a career .309 hitter who has averaged 28 home runs and 102 RBIs over the past five seasons, is expected to attract the most lucrative contract ever given to a second baseman. Currently, Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers is the highest-paid second baseman, having signed a five-year, $75 million contract before this season. Also this season, the Boston Red Sox gave second baseman Dustin Pedroia an extension that makes his total package worth $110 million over eight years.
"I haven't decided anything yet," said Cano, who leads the Yankees with 27 homers, 106 RBIs and a .315 batting average. "But don't get me wrong. I love this team, you know?"
Cano acknowledged that Thursday night's home finale against the Tampa Bay Rays could be his final game at Yankee Stadium, at least as a member of the home team.
"Oh, yeah, who knows? Who knows what's going to happen," he said. "I'm just enjoying being here, and I'm going to enjoy the last day, being here with all these guys. Nobody said I'm leaving; nobody said I'm staying. I haven't decided anything yet. Let's see what happens after the World Series."
ESPNNewYork.com's Wallace Matthews contributed to this report.