With the Los Angeles Dodgers in the midst of pursuing the team's first World Series championship since 1988, their primary focus is on this season and not free agency. While rumors are circulating as to where top free agent second baseman Robinson Cano may end up if he doesn't re-sign with the New York Yankees, Dodgers owner Magic Johnson insists the team will not be in the market for Cano, who will command a huge contract.
"You already know that guy in New York (Cano) is going to be paid. Not by us. But he's going to get paid," Johnson told USA Today Sports.
While Cano will end up landing somewhere outside of Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles' main offseason business will be trying to lock up ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was masterful in the Dodgers' 6-1 National League Division Series opener Thursday night by lasting seven innings and striking out 12 while only giving up the lone run.
Kershaw, who is a heavy favorite to take home the NL Cy Young Award this season, had a league-leading 1.83 ERA during the regular season to go along with a 16-9 record a league-leading .92 WHIP and 232 strikeouts, which led the NL. Due to his recent success, Kershaw's asking price is expected to be high, but Johnson knows he deserves it.
"We're not worried about that. We already know we've got to give him a lot of money. What's a few more zeroes. I mean, really?" Johnson joked to the newspaper.
Cano, 30, meanwhile, is looking to seek the most lucrative offer he can find, whether it be from the Yankees or another team. Sources last week indicated that he was in the market for a 10-year $305 million contract, but speculation has led to the belief that he'll probably end up with a seven-year deal somewhere. Cano said he plans on taking his time before making any decisions on his future.
Cano is a career .309 hitter and led the Yankees in most offensive categories this season, batting .314 with 27 homers and 107 RBIs. His success in pinstripes will likely lead him to become the highest-paid second baseman ever, but it won't be the Dodgers emptying out their wallets.
Johnson also acknowledged that the team will be looking to extend manager Don Mattingly's contract after the team won 92 games in 2013 and clinched its first NL Central title since 2009.
"Donnie has been pushing the right buttons," Johnson said, according to the report, "and the fans love him. ... But this is not the time to talk contract right now. After this is over with, everybody will see where they are, and go from there. So, right now, we just want to enjoy this moment."
The Dodgers hope to hoist the World Series trophy before talks with Kershaw and Mattingly commence. As for Cano, he'll receive a good amount of money, but it won't be to play in sunny Los Angeles.
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