Robinson Cano would have taken $5 million less to stay in New York

Many were surprised when all-star second-baseman Robinson Cano signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners were expected to spend big money to go after a big time free agent and Cano was the best player on the market.

The real surprise is that the Yankees did not appear to be all that interested in keeping Cano after learning he may ask for a $300 million deal. In fact, many reports suggested the Yankees refused to go beyond $175 million despite dishing out big bucks to lure catcher Brian McCann away from the Atlanta Braves and take center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury away from the Boston Red Sox.

In fact, many believe the Mariners were forced to go to a 10th-year rather than a nine-year deal because they were bidding against themselves.

Cano’s desire for a 10th-year was obviously the most important part of his contract, because he apparently talked to the Yankees before signing his deal.

On “Inside Pitch,” a radio show on MLB Network Radio, Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman said Cano told the Yankees he would take $235 million from them rather than the $240 million he signed for.