TAMPA — If father indeed knows best, Robinson Cano isn’t leaving The Bronx. And he may have a six- or seven-year deal in place before Opening Day.
Cano’s dad, Jose, has been following his son’s contract saga since the beginning of spring training. He knows Hal Steinbrenner made a significant offer to agent Scott Boras. He is aware of the years and dollars being speculated. He understands Robinson is in line for a colossal payday.
“We are waiting to see what is happening with the Yankees,” Jose Cano said Monday at George M. Steinbrenner Field where the Dominican Republic team in the WBC worked out. Jose is the bullpen coach. “I don’t think the (Yankees) are going to let him go. I talk to him every day and we are still waiting.”
Jose Cano, a former major league pitcher, wants his son in pinstripes until he retires.
“I wish he can be here forever. I don’t think he will feel comfortable (leaving),” Jose Cano said. “I hope he can be a Yankee forever.”
With the Yankees eager to retain the 30-year-old Cano and Boras saying he is willing to listen and keep talking with the Yankees, something may get done before Cano hits the free agent market after the season.
However, Boras’ clients rarely come this close to free agency and don’t enter the pool.
Still, Jose would like the saga to end.
“I hope something happens soon, he will feel better,” Jose said. “I know he will sign for six or seven years.”
That might be news to Boras and Robinson Cano only said with a smile, “That’s what he says” when told his dad said he hoped the son would be Yankee forever.