Report: Mariners contacted Yankees, Mets about Cano trade

As Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto continues to reimagine his roster, the executive appears to be thinking about a future without Robinson Cano.

Dipoto contacted the Yankees and Mets about a trade involving the eight-time All-Star, major-league sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

A potential deal between the Mariners and Yankees involving Cano and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was discussed, according to Rosenthal's sources, but it didn't go anywhere because New York wanted significant cash included in the swap.

Cano, who would have likely played first base with his former club, is owed $120 million over the next five seasons, while Ellsbury still has $47.2 million left on his deal over the next two years.

The Mets don't look like a match for the 36-year-old because of second baseman Jeff McNeil's strong finish last season, and because they also have first baseman Peter Alonso coming up the pipeline. If the Mariners were willing to pay the entirety of Cano's remaining contract and include a top prospect in a trade, things could change, a source told Rosenthal.

Seattle has reportedly been trying to trade Cano for a week.

Dipoto and Yankees GM Brian Cashman already swung a deal this offseason centered around pitcher James Paxton, which came after Seattle traded catcher Mike Zunino to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Cano only appeared in 80 games in 2018 after violating the league's joint drug policy, hitting .303/.374/.471 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs.

Over the course of his 14-year career, he's been one of the league's most durable players, averaging 148 games per season. Cano also owns a career slash line of .304/.355/.493.