The Texas Rangers and star second baseman Ian Kinsler continue to discuss a six-year contract discussion, but the completion of that deal may be tied to the next contract of Yankees slugger (and fellow second baseman) Robinson Cano, according to Ken Rosnenthal of Fox Sports.
Kinsler will be paid $7 million in 2012 and has a club option for $10 million in 2013. The team, according to Rosenthal's sources, is wiling to pay him a new annual salary that exceeds that of Dan Uggla's in Atlanta ($12.4 million), but likely not too much further north of that figure.
Cano, meanwhile, is due for a new deal, and the Yankees may be willing to break the bank in order to keep him around. If Kinsler signs a new deal now that falls far short of what Cano will make on his next deal, he's likely selling himself short - because, as Rosenthal points out, the two are at least comparable in terms of merit.
GM Jon Daniels, meanwhile, does not expect to sign any contract extensions prior to opening day.
This one is worth keeping an eye on.
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