'Homegrown' Cano in Yankees' long-term plans

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have consistently stated that they would like to retain second baseman Robinson Cano, who is set for his first crack at free agency, and general manager Brian Cashman has said that the club has already made the five-time All-Star one "significant offer" to stay in pinstripes.

Another is likely to follow in the near future, though a quick resolution to Cano's contract status seems unlikely. Through his representative at Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports, CAA's Brodie Van Wagenen, Cano has reportedly asked the Yankees for a 10-year, $305 million deal.

"We'd love to have Robbie back," Cashman said. "There's not much more for me to say about that, but our intention is to have him back if we can. He'll receive without question, or has received, a significant offer to stay. He'll have something legitimately to ponder."

The Yankees' offers were reportedly in the arenas of eight years at $138 million and six years at $144 million. The requested $305 million pact would be the richest in history.

"He's been a great Yankee," Cashman said. "I think if he stays, he'll have a legitimate chance to experience what you just saw, for instance, for Mariano [Rivera]. Maybe he has the chance to be the first Dominican-born player in Monument Park; a homegrown Yankee.

"But at the same time, it's a business. He has comported himself in a tremendous way both on and off the field for the New York Yankees and we've been extremely happy to have him. We hope to extend that relationship."

Cashman said that Cano and his representatives "certainly" will be in a position to entertain offers from other clubs, a process that can begin after the World Series.