Yankees Have Made A "Significant Offer" to Robinson Cano

Could Cano be extended soon?

Entering the final year of his contract, Robinson Cano will be no stranger to contract extension talks throughout the season. New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman does not usually negotiate extensions before a contract expires, so it comes as a surprise that he admitted on Thursday that the Yankees made a "significant offer" to Cano and his agent.

There has not been any clarification yet as to when the offer was made, if it remains on the table or was rejected. 

Cashman did tell reporters that it should not come as too much of a surprise for the team to stray from their usual policy. There is nothing from the ownership telling the front office that contract talks should be should be saved for the end of the season. Hal Steinbrenner has been on the side willing to negotiate with Cano early. 

In 12 Spring Training at-bats, Cano is hitting .167 with two hits. He homered in the Yankees Grapefruit League season opener on Saturday afternoon.

Update: You can listen to Cashman on the Mike Francesa show here.

Update: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the two sides are far apart in contract talks right now. Cano has his focus set on winning in 2013 and not negotiations, according to Boras' statement. Talks will remain between both sides and will stop if they become a distraction to Cano in-season. A projected deal for Cano would be 10-years worth over $200M.

Friday: Cano declined to comment on the Yankees' offer saying he will keep his focus on baseball and not allow negotiations to become a distraction. 

Posted in: MLB, New York Yankees, Robinson Cano, Spring Training