Mariners sign Robinson Cano to 10-year deal, reports say

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners have signed All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240-million contract, ESPN reported Friday.

According to ESPNdeportes.com, the Mariners made Cano, 31, an offer "he couldn't refuse." The contract is the third largest in baseball history, tied with Albert Pujols' deal of the Anaheim Angels.

The Seattle Mariners would not confirm the deal Friday.

The source said Cano will return to Seattle Sunday to undergo a physical. Cano is represented by popular entertainer Jay-Z.

According to the Tacoma News Tribune, Jay-Z asked the Mariners for a 10-year, $252 million deal; something the Mariners were not willing to give. Mariners majority owner Howard Lincoln even reportedly stormed out of negotiations at one point.

However, the two sides reportedly came to an agreement sometime late Thursday night.

"The prevailing view throughout the industry is the deal, considered in isolation, is an outrageous over-payment," Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune wrote.

However, some are speculating Cano coming to Seattle could set off a chain reaction among free agents, driving them to come to Seattle when before it seemed like a distant possibility.

Cano is a five time All-star who hit 27 homeruns with 107 runs driven in last season.