Rangers likely to pursue Robinson Cano this offseason

The Texas Rangers may be a team to watch in the Robinson Cano sweepstakes this winter. According to Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com, Texas called the Yankees over the summer to inquire on Cano's trade availability, but were immediately told that he was not available. Because the Rangers seem primed to make a big splash this offseason and have had previous interest in the Yankees slugger, they are expected to make a serious run at him in a move that would likely cause Ian Kinsler to move to first base.

Marchand lists the Rangers as the most likely non-Yankees landing spot for Cano, followed by the Dodgers, Phillies, Mariners, Cubs, Tigers, Nationals and Mets. He also cautions that a mystery team could swoop in and sign him, similar to how the Angels unexpectedly signed Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton over the past two years.

Cano, 30, is primed to be the top free agent available this winter after posting a .314 average with 27 HR and 107 RBI in 160 games with the Yankees this season. He is reportedly asking for a contract in the ten-year, $305 million range, but that unreasonable figure will likely be lowered once teams start making legitimate offers. As general manager Brian Cashman told Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger earlier in the week, the Yankees have made, or will make the second baseman "a significant offer" to remain in the Bronx, which has seemed to be his preference all along.

In addition to Cano, the Rangers are expected to pursue free agent catcher Brian McCann and may also make a run after outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury, Shin-Soo Choo and Nelson Cruz, who has spent the past eight seasons in Texas.