Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano has fired the agent Scott Boras and hired an agency founded by Jay-Z, a move that could enhance Cano’s chances of returning to the team.
Jay-Z is not only a Yankees fan, but he is also a friend of third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has been a kind of mentor to Cano. In 2007 Jay-Z helped persuade Rodriguez of the value of staying in New York after he had opted out of his contract. Rodriguez wound up signing a 10-year, $275 million contract to remain with the Yankees.
Cano is making $15 million this year. He will be eligible for free agency when the season ends. His decision to end his relationship with Boras is probably a positive development for the Yankees because Boras has historically taken his clients to free agency rather than have them sign long-term contract extensions with the team they are with.
The Yankees would like to arrange such an extension with Cano. With Boras gone, they may have a better chance of doing so.
In an announcement Tuesday, the new agency, Roc Nation, which is affiliated with Creative Artists Agency Sports, said it had signed Cano as its centerpiece and first client.
The announcement included a statement attributed to Cano.
“At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field,” it read. “I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and C.A.A. Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short- and long-term goals. I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates.”
Cano will be represented on the field by a team of agents led by CAA Sports’ Brodie Van Wagenen. Since Opening Day 2011, CAA Sports’ baseball group has negotiated more than $1.1 billion in Major League contracts, including eight contracts with a guaranteed value of $50 million or more, of which four exceeds $100 million, more than any other agency.
Cano will be represented directly by C.A.A. Sports’ Brodie Van Wagenen. C.A.A. is also closely affiliated with the Knicks, representing Carmelo Anthony and Coach Mike Woodson, among others.
Cano has been in preliminary negotiations with the Yankees, who made him a substantial offer before spring training. Cano turned that offer down, but with new representation it is possible negotiations could resume soon.
“Robinson Cano is an extraordinary all-around talent who has established himself as one of the game’s best and most consistent players,” Van Wagenen said. “Our mandate is to minimize his distractions while helping him achieve his goals on and off the field in both the short and the long term. His immediate concern is continuing to show respect for the Yankees organization, his teammates and the fans.”
Two weeks ago Cano met with LeBron James after a Heat game in Miami and got a pair of signed sneakers. James is a close friend of Yankees pitcher C. C. Sabathia and Jay-Z.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is a popular rapper, producer, manager and part owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
“Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years,” he said in the news release.
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