New York Yankees Rumors: Should Brandon Phillips Become A Target?

Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

It is about to get ugly between the New York Yankees and free agent Robinson Cano. The Yankees do not want to offer the second baseman more than $200 million, and Cano does not want what the Yankees are planning on offering him. To make matters even more interesting is that the Seattle Mariners are being thrown into the fray, with the franchise possibly willing to offer Cano an eight-year deal worth $200 million.

There is going to be a whole lot of gamesmanship between the Yankees and Cano’s representatives in the next week or so leading up to the Winter Meetings in Orlando. It will be interesting to see if the Mariners are serious about being players in the Cano sweepstakes, because signing him would boost Cano’s exposure in that market, and he will be loved no matter how much or little he hustles for first base. It could also make Seattle more attractive to Cano. Money and media talks.

With the Cano dealings become a bit of a distraction, the Yankees could just cut ties and offer him a one-time, end-all offer and if he does not accept the deal, the team would move on. There are other players New York could pursue in the market, and one of them is Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips.

Phillips was not on the schedule for the upcoming RedsFest, and signs are pointing him being traded by the end of the winter meetings. Phillips is older than Cano by one year and has missed more games in his 12-year career than Cano has in his nine-year career. However, he could be more of a solid option and may not give the club trouble during the season.

Plus, New York will not have to negotiate a contract with Phillips and could have the Reds pay some of what’s left if they are really determined to trade him. Also, Phillips has four more years left on his contract, which is a lot cheaper than what Cano is asking for. Why not shake things up and take a chance here?

Ryan Gaydos is an MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. He comments on New York Yankees rumors. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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