2013 New York Yankees Recap: Robinson Cano

Sep 21, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman

(24) singles to left allowing a runner to score during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Our first installment in looking back at the New York Yankees 2013 season, begins with their best player, and in my estimation, their MVP of 2013, second baseman Robinson Cano. Cano was the one constant in a lineup that had players go in and out all year long.  Cano is the Yankees’ best all-around player. Whether he is the face of the franchise or not is up for a good debate at this point, however, it’s hard to argue he’s their best player. Whether or not he continues to be remains to be seen. Let’s relieve Robinson Cano’s 2013 campaign.

In his age 30 season, Cano hit .314/.383/.516 with 27 home runs and 107 RBI. He had six fewer homers in 2013 than 2012, but also had 14 more RBI, while his splits were just about the same. According to baseball reference, his WAR slightly declined from 8.5 to 7.6, however, that placed him sixth in WAR in all of baseball and third in the American League.

2013 Game Of The Year: In helping Andy Pettitte become the Yankees’ all-time leader in wins on July 1, Cano went 3-4, scored four runs, had a double, two home runs, three RBI and a walk. The Yankees would beat the Twins that night 10-4.

2014 Outlook: The $310 million question is where will Cano play and what will his contract look like. Will he back in pinstripes? Will the LA Dodgers add him to their lineup? Could he join Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder in Detroit? Are the crosstown Mets an option? Those questions will be answered well into winter.