Yankees Rumors Heating Up: Hiroki Kuroda, Robinson Cano

Now that Brian McCann is under contract in the Bronx, this week has brought additional rumors to the remainder of the offseason. The following is a review of some of the current rumors swirling around the Bronx.

Yankees newsThe New York Yankees have reportedly made an offer to Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda turned down a $14.1 million qualifying offer prefers one year deals.

It’s very likely Kuroda either accepts a one year deal around $16-18 million, returns to Japan (a worst case scenario for New York) or takes more money to go on the west coast closer to his family.

The latter is unrealistic as it would mean $20 million dollar and the loss of a first round pick for any team who plucks Kuroda away.

The Yankees have reportedly offered Robinson Cano a seven year deal worth around $168 million. Rumors speculate the two parties are around $80 million apart.

Cano’s camp is likely looking in the $240-250 million dollar range over 8-10 years.

Yankees NewsIt’s possible the Yankees can go as high as 180-190 million for as many as eight years, but speculation is they are unwilling to offer $200 million. Ultimately, Cano is still likely to return to the Bronx since it’s unclear who would enter the range New York is already in.

Brian Cashman has said he is looking to fill “400 innings”. New York has: Adam Warren, Michael Pineda, David Phelps, Ivan Nova and CC Sabathia under contract. Sabathia and Nova are pretty much guarantees while Pineda, if healthy, has to be a front-runner.

The Yankees are likely banking on Kuroda’s return for one more season and a “win at all costs” bid for Masahiro Tanaka to build around for the future.

Brendan Ryan has been signed for 2-3 years for as much as $10 million depending on incentives. New York has no idea if its starting shortstop can play a full season or will retire at the end of 2014 and it may never see its starting third baseman step foot on the field again.

It’s wise to have a cheap backup to add stability to the left side of the infield for the Yankees, especially with only Eduardo Nunez as an alternative. This was a smart move for the Pinstripes at a minimal cost.