Mariners discussed Robinson Cano trade with Yankees, Mets

The Seattle Mariners are actively trying to trade Robinson Cano and reached out to the Yankees and Mets about possible blockbusters that would have sent the star second baseman back to New York, according to a recent report by The Athletic.

Citing multiple sources, The Athletic reported that the Mariners and Yankees briefly talked about a potential trade involving Cano and veteran outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury in a swap of lucrative contracts.

But those talks fizzled, in part, according to the report, because the Yankees wanted the Mariners to include cash that would offset some of the $120 million that Cano will make over the final five years of his contract.

The Mets would be interested in acquiring Cano only if Seattle included a prospect and cash in the trade, according to the report.

The Mariners have already completed one trade with the Yankees this offseason, sending ace left-hander James Paxton to New York earlier this month for a trio of minor leaguers, including top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield.

Cano, 36, batted .303 with 10 home runs last season but was suspended 80 games for violating baseball's joint drug policy.

The eight-time All-Star spent his first nine years with the Yankees before signing a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Mariners before the 2014 season.