Yankees, Robinson Cano have discussed extension

The New York Yankees and owner Hal Steinbrenner have had discussions with second baseman Robinson Cano about a possible contract extension, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:

"There's been a conversation or two," Steinbrenner told reporters in Tampa, Fla. "We'll get into that, and we'll talk about that at a later date. He's been a great Yankee, and we hope he's here his entire career."

The Yankees typically have a policy of not talking to players about new contracts until the previous one has come to an end, but it appears as though the club may make an exception with Cano.

The Bronx Bombers are still hoping to get under the $189 million luxury tax threshold for the 2014 season, and Cano's pending free agency could play a big part in whether or not they are able to achieve that goal. The 30-year-old is set to make $15 million this coming season and will be in line for a big pay day next fall no matter where he ends up.

It's unclear at this time how far in the future Steinbrenner considers "a late date" to be, but one imagines the club could re-evaluate the discussions once the season is well under way and Cano has had a chance to make his case on the field.