Another way to read this is “the Yankees really do plan on re-signing Robinson Cano, but (a) they don’t want to be left with their pants around their ankles in the event he bolts; and (b) even if he does want to come back, it’s be nice to at least pretend we could go a different direction for bargaining purposes.” George King of the Post:

According to industry sources, general manager Brian Cashman has checked on second baseman Omar Infante during the period when teams and players could talk about everything but money. That ends Tuesday, when teams can negotiate dollars and free agents can sign.

It’s been several months since we’ve been in hot-stove mode, so in case you forgot: everyone checks in with everyone on everyone. Sometimes it’s significant, sometimes it isn’t, but reporters who hear about it will always talk about it.

This one: I wouldn’t consider it significant unless and until Cano is linked strongly with another team.