New York Yankees All-Star second baseman fired one of the most renowned sports agents in Scott Boras. A few hours later it was made public that Cano had signed with a label owned by rap superstar Jay-Z, according to ESPN.com.
Jay-Z, whose birth name is Shawn Carter, announced Tuesday that he's starting an agency called Roc Nation Sports. Roc Nation is an entertainment company founded by the entertainer, who already has 17 Grammy awards.
"Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years," said Jay-Z in statement according to ESPN.com. Roc Nation Sports will exist through a partnership with Creative Arts Agency.
Cano tweeted the word “Rocboys!” Tuesday, accompanied with a picture of himself and Jay-Z appearing to be signing documents. The Roc Nation Twitter account also has tweets of a link to a similar picture on its Instagram account, as well as a link to information about their new business venture.
"At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors on and off the field," Cano said in a statement according to ESPN. "I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short- and long-term goals. I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates."
Prior to Cano’s departure from the Scott Boras Agency, there had been much speculation on the relationship between Boras and Cano. Cano is in the last year of his contract and could possibly be a free agent in the fall.
Cano has recently been in contract negotiations with the Yankees. According to MLB.com, General Manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees had brought Cano a “significant offer.” However, Cano and Boras had not accepted. There was speculation that Boras wanted somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 years, $225 million dollars or 10 years, $240 million; the contracts offered to Cincinnati Reds superstar Joey Votto and Angles superstar Albert Pujols respectively.
As of right now the Yankees have no way of knowing how Cano’s new representation will affect contract negotiations or whether or not it means he will stay a Yankee long-term, according to ESPN.com.
