New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, in the final season of a $57 million contract, has left agent Scott Boras to sign with a company founded by Jay-Z.

Robinson Cano's contract talks with the Yankees will go in the direction of Jay-Z, right, the player's new rep. Courtesy of Robinson Cano

Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z, announced Tuesday that it is getting into the sports representation business through a partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA). This arm of CAA will be known as Roc Nation Sports, which simultaneously announced that its first sports client is Cano.

Cano, making $15 million this season, will be represented in baseball matters by CAA Sports' Brodie Van Wagenen.

"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. "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."

Van Wagenen told ESPNNewYork.com that he will lead the baseball talks with the Yankees in hopes of getting Cano a new deal. Jay-Z will be involved but not in direct talks with Yankees ownership.

"Is it possible for him to sign with the Yankees? Of course, it is possible," Van Wagenen said. "He doesn't become a free agent until November.

There is a lot of time between now and then where all sorts of variables could impact whether or not he ultimately re-signs with the Yankees or becomes a free agent."

The Yankees and Boras hadn't spoken in weeks about a new deal, a person with knowledge of the talks told ESPNNewYork.com's Andrew Marchand.