Tuesday night will mark the first time former New York Yankee Robinson Cano returns to the Bronx after signing a deal with the Seattle Mariners following the 2013 season. Despite an abrupt departure from the team (most believed he would resign with New York), his former teammates say there are no hard feelings, and will gladly welcome the return of the All-Star second baseman.
Cano, who began his MLB career with the Yankees in 2005, signed a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Mariners after the Yankees failed to up their offer from just below the $200 million mark. The contract was one of the largest in baseball history, and somewhat unusual for the Mariners who have not been to the playoffs since 2001.
For me, Cano’s return after the deal is another reminder of the changing times. It was during this same off-season break that Yankee captain Derek Jeter announced his retirement following the 2014 season. Jeter, who played the entirety of his storied MLB career with the Yankees, could be one of the last players of his caliber to do so. Today’s highly-skilled players like Cano, who was rumored to be seeking a contract of upwards of $300 million, seem more concerned with finding the most lucrative deal rather than remaining loyal to just one team. While it might make them richer, this kind of mentality is what could keep players from becoming legendary fan-favorites as fans are forced to watch them leave their favorite team for some extra cash.
It might seem a bit pessimistic, but I’m afraid this new player mentality is beginning to take the fun out of baseball. The heroes and legends are what makes the game so entertaining - watching a player who would do anything to help his team win year after year. In my eyes, even if Cano finishes his career with record-setting numbers, he has ruined his chances of being revered in the way his former captain was, because of his decision to follow the money.
Either way, it should be interesting to see what kind of impact Cano makes as a Mariner. They are currently sitting in fourth place of the AL West with a 10 -14 record.
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