The Seattle Mariners signed Robinson Cano to a 10-year deal worth $240 million on Friday. That was simply more money than the New York Yankees wanted to pay for the dynamic slugger, so they let him walk. It is widely assumed that the decision came down to money and nothing else, but a recent report indicated that there may have been more at play.
According to the NY Post, sources close to Cano claim he did not enjoy playing for Yankees manager Joe Girardi.
“Robbie didn’t like batting second, he wanted to bat in the middle of the order,” a person who knows Cano reportedly told The Post’s George A. King III. “The Yankees wanted him second because that was best for the team. He wanted to hit in the middle of the order to drive in runs [to increase his value].”
Another friend of Cano’s said he simply didn’t like playing for Girardi.
“He told me he didn’t want to play for [Girardi],” the friend said.
While that may be true, it is not the reason Cano ultimately left the Bronx. The last known offer that the Yankees made to the 31-year-old totaled $175 million, so it’s doubtful that they were going to make an offer that was anywhere close to the $240 million Seattle gave him.
Still, the report is interesting. There has been a lot of talk about Cano missing out on endorsement money and costing himself a chance at winning by signing with the Mariners. In reality, Cano may be happier out west for reasons other than money.
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