The Yankees made $14.1 million qualifying offers to free agents Robinson Cano, Hiroki Kuroda and Curtis Granderson on Monday, and now await decisions by Kuroda and Granderson on whether they will accept.
Cano, who likely will land a $200 million-plus contract in free agency, will decline it. Granderson and Kuroda are another story.
“I have no idea,” general manager Brian Cashman said on his feelings about the outfielder and right-hander accepting the one-year deal.
Going into Monday’s deadline, the Yankees were known to be planning to offer Cano and Kuroda and were debating about Granderson, who was limited to 61 games a year ago due to a fractured right forearm and a fractured left pinkie.
“We are comfortable with the one year if he accepts it,” Cashman said of the left-handed hitting Granderson, who hit 41 and 43 homers in 2011 and 2012, respectively. “He hits for power and plays a premier position.”
Players who received the qualifying offer have until Nov. 11 to accept or decline. If accepted, the player is signed for the 2014 season. If declined, the player is a free agent.
Should the player sign with another club, the Yankees would receive a compensatory draft pick in June.
Whether Cano, Kuroda or Granderson accept or decline the offer, they can talk to the Yankees about a multi-year deal. Tuesday is the first day free agents can negotiate money and sign with clubs.
While Kuroda returning would be welcome because the Yankees need three starters behind CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova, Granderson’s decision will have a big impact on how the Yankees construct their outfield.
If Granderson accepts, the starting outfield will be Alfonso Soriano in left, Brett Gardner in center and Granderson in right. That would turn Ichiro Suzuki into a fourth outfielder/DH or trade bait.
Granderson’s return likely also would mean no room for free-agent outfielders Carlos Beltran or Shin-Soo Choo.
However, if Granderson, who turns 33 in March, lands a multi-year deal outside The Bronx, the Yankees will be in the hunt for Beltran or Choo.
According to a report out of Chicago, Granderson’s hometown, the White Sox have an interest in him. If Texas doesn’t retain Nelson Cruz, the Rangers could be interested in Granderson.