Cano had .313 average with 33 homers and 94 RBI in 2012
To the surprise of almost no one, the New York Yankees picked up the options for 2013 on superstar second baseman Robinson Cano and center fielder Curtis Granderson. Both players will be eligible for free agency after next season, if neither reaches a long-term deal with the team. Granderson and Cano will earn $15 million each for 2014.
The Yankees are working on an ongoing plan to bring the team payroll under $189 million by 2014. Cano is represented by Scott Boras and re-signing to know to a long-term deal could prove challenging for the Yankees. Cano, 30, finished the season hitting .313 with a career-high 33 homers and 94 RBIs. Cano struggled mightily in the postseason, going 0-for-29
Granderson the definition of an all or nothing hitter, had a career-high 43 home runs in a career-high 195 strikeouts. He hit .232 on the year. In the playoffs, Cano hit .075 (3 for 40) with no home runs, including a 29 at-bat hitless streak. Granderson was 3 for 30 with 16 strikeouts.
The Yankees also exercised the option on reliever David Aardsma. The Yankees signed Aardsma in spring training with an eye toward 2013.