The New York Times-20080126-Yanks and Cano Agree on Deal

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Yanks and Cano Agree on Deal

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The Yankees and second baseman Robinson Cano reached a preliminary agreement Friday on a contract that could pay him about $55 million over six years.

The deal, contingent on Cano's passing a physical, will earn him $28 million for the 2008 through 2011 seasons. He is guaranteed $2 million more if the Yankees decline their option for 2012.

If the team exercises its options for 2012 and 2013, Cano would make about $27 million over those seasons. Without the option years, Cano would be eligible for free agency after the 2011 season. Controlling Cano's salary beyond his arbitration years was important to the Yankees.

Most teams would rather have cost certainty with young players instead of dealing with the expense and hassle of annual salary arbitration. The Yankees have been an exception, usually preferring to wait until free agency forces them to guarantee long-term contracts.

This contract represents a shift in philosophy and a commitment to Cano, 25, who has hit .314 since his promotion in May 2005. He hit .342 in 2006, and followed it up with 19 home runs, 97 runs batted in and a .306 average in 2007.