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Report: Cano unhappy in Seattle, wants Yankees reunion

Stephen Brashear / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Less than a week after former major league outfielder and coach Andy Van Slyke made critical comments about Robinson Cano's attitude and work ethic, comes a report claiming the six-time All-Star wants out of Seattle.

A source close to Cano tells John Harper of the New York Daily News that the Mariners second baseman is unhappy in Seattle, and would "love" to return to the Yankees, where he starred for nine seasons, and won a World Series title in 2009.

The report, citing a long-time friend of Cano, claims the 33-year-old has become increasingly disenchanted with the Mariners, who have missed the playoffs in his two years with the club. The source notes that Cano's frustrations continued when the club hired a new GM and manager this offseason.

For his part, Cano issued a cryptic non-comment with this tweet sent out shortly after the story broke:

Cano and the Yankees parted ways in 2013 following an incredibly successful run that established the Dominican native as the premier second baseman in baseball. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2001, Cano's tenure in the Bronx included five straight All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger awards, and two Gold Gloves.

He bolted for the Mariners that offseason by agreeing to a franchise record-breaking 10-year, $240-million contract. But despite maintaining above-average production for his position during his first two seasons in Seattle, Cano's power numbers have begun to decline from their previously elite levels.

Year Team 2B HR OBP OPS
2015 Mariners 34 21 .334 .779
2014 Mariners 37 14 .382 .836
2013 Yankees 41 27 .383 .899
2012 Yankees 48 33 .379 .929
2011 Yankees 46 28 .349 .882

Trading Cano, however, could prove difficult for GM Jerry Dipoto, who's already made three deals since assuming the post in late September. Cano has $192 million remaining on his contract, which runs through 2020 and his age-40 season.

Cano's rocky offseason has already included hernia surgery, and accusations by Van Slyke that he played "the worst defense I've ever seen at second base," and cost several coaches their jobs because of his alleged attitude. Van Slyke, a former All-Star himself, served as the Mariners' first base coach the last two seasons.

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