One of the most accomplished second baseman in baseball, Robinson Cano has made a fantastic living as both a consistent hitter and a stingy defender. While Cano is in the twilight years of his baseball career, at age 34, Cano has proven that he can still be a worthy competitor considering his most recent success at the 2017 All-Star Game where he won the MVP award. Although Cano’s success in Seattle has paled in comparison to what he accomplished with the New York Yankees, there is no denying that this consummate competitor will eventually be properly immortalized when he is inevitably inducted into the baseball Hall Of Fame. Given Cano’s consistent success on the baseball diamond, the essential question remains of how much is the legendary infielder actually worth?
Robinson Cano’s Net Worth as of 2017: $113.5 Million
How did the veteran talent get there? And how have Robison’s eclectic accomplishments garnered him this type of wealth? Let’s take a closer look.
2005-2012
ANAHEIM, CA – OCTOBER 05: Robinson Cano #22 of the New York Yankees drives in a run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during Game Two of the American League Division Series on October 5, 2005 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
A month into the 2005 season, Cano was called up by the New York Yankees after batting .330 in 108 at-bats with the Yankees international AAA affiliate Columbus Clippers. Immediately, it became apparent that Cano was a disciplined hitter at the plate (.297 batting average) that could slug with impressive power (.458 slugging percentage). Although Cano was not considered a defensive asset at this time, his skills as a fielder would develop quickly and eventually garner Cano consideration as being one of the best two-way players in the game.
2006 was a fantastic year for Cano in nearly every conceivable way. His slugging and on base percentage were much improved from his rookie season (.525 and .365 respectively) and his prowess at the plate reached new heights (.342 batting average). Cano’s improved numbers and sustained consistency at the plate earned him starting honors on the AL roster for the 2006 All-Star Game (which he ended up not competing in due to a hamstring injury). By the end of the season, Cano had the third best batting average in the AL and received three votes for the AL MVP Award.
Although Cano got off to a slow start during the 2007 season (.249 batting average by the end of May) he rectified this brief falter by hitting for a sensational .385 at the plate to go along with six home runs and 24 RBI’s in the month of July. By the time the season ended, Cano had set a new career high in RBI’s (97) and home runs (19).
During the 2008 offseason, Cano signed a four-year contract extension worth $28 million, which was well deserved considering his prolific production at the plate. While the regular season was not spectacular by Cano’s standards (.271 batting average, .305 on base percentage), his defensive abilities were on full display throughout the entirety of the season (defensive WAR of 2.7 compared to -0.1 the previous year).
Coming into 2009, Cano was determined to rediscover his consistency at the plate that made him a fan favorite during his first three years with the Yankees. He did not disappoint. His batting average held steady above .300 throughout the course of the season and he set a new career high in home runs with 25. Better still, Cano was ranked in top ten in the AL in hits, extra base hits, total bases, at bats, doubles, triples, batting average and runs scored. To cap off his impressive statistical output during the regular season, Cano and the Yankees went on to win the World Series, with Cano throwing out Shane Victorino to clinch the series.
Following the World Series victory, Cano was finally able to put together one of his best all-around seasons on both defense and offense in 2010. Along with setting new career highs in home runs (29) and RBI’s (109) Cano was also a tenacious defender, which was evident by his elevated defensive WAR (2.2) and fielding percentage metrics (.996). For his exemplary performances, Cano won both the Gold Glove Award for second base and the Silver Slugger Award for his adeptness at the plate. He also finished third for the AL MVP.
Although Cano got off to a rough start defensively during the 2011 season (committed twice as many errors by July as he had during the entirety of the previous season), he still managed to easily make the All-Star roster as the AL starting second baseman. Offensively, Cano was incredibly tenacious at the plate as he set a new career high in RBI’s (118) and once again won the Silver Slugger Award.
Despite hitting just one home run during the 2012 season in April, Cano was able to emphatically recover by hitting seven home runs in May and a career high 11 home runs in June. Cano continued his offensive tear as he had a 23-game hit streak that ended in late July and he once again concluded another terrific regular season by hitting above .300. Cano won the Silver Slugger Award for the third year in a row and was paid $15 million to stay with the Yankees for another season.
He reportedly earned $14 million in 2012.
2013-Present
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Robinson Cano #22 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his solo homerun to take a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 12, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
In typical Cano fashion, the confident second baseman had another impressive season at the plate in 2013. He had a batting average of .314 to go along with 27 home runs and 107 RBI’s. Although the Yankees did everything in their power to retain their beloved infielder, the Seattle Mariners were extremely determined to bring Cano to the west coast as they signed him to a 10-year contract worth $240 million.
His first season with the Mariners in 2014 was solid for Cano in terms of batting average and RBI’s. Although Cano did not hit for as much power compared to previous years, he still proved to be a valuable asset for the Mariners as he could hit consistently while getting on base more often than not.
If Cano ever had a down season for the Marines it was in 2015. His season batting average dropped below .300 for the first time since 2008 (.287 in 2015) and his defensive WAR dropped below 0 for the first time since 2008 (-0.5 in 2015). He still hit 79 RBI’s on the season and improved at the plate during the second half of the season by hitting .330.
Cano had a resurgent year in 2016 as he rediscovered the immense power that he had throughout his time with the Yankees. Cano hit a career high 39 home runs to go along with a slugging percentage of .533. Cano also got back to the All-Star Game after missing out on a selection in 2015 (it was his seventh All-Star selection).
Thus far in 2017, Cano has been solid as he has knocked in 60 RBI’s and appeared in his 8th All-Star game where he emphatically hit a home run to give the AL the win by a score of 2-1.
Although Cano may not have many years left as a superstar infielder, this year proved that Cano can still be a valuable asset even in his mid-30’s. Throughout his career, Cano has remained humble and dedicated to being a coveted team player that is constantly determined when it comes to improving the little things to keep up with the youthful presence that has become much more noticeable in the last few years. When Cano finally does retire, he should and will be considered one of the best and most respected second baseman of all time.
He reportedly earned $24 million in 2017.
