Robinson Cano reacts as he leaves the infield. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Robinson Cano reacts as he leaves the infield. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Will Thursday night be the last time that Robinson Cano dons the pinstripes at Yankee Stadium?

It remains to be seen, but the free-agent-to-be admitted that the thought has crossed his mind,

New York will play its final home game of 2013 on Thursday night, after falling to the Rays, 8-3, on Wednesday night. The Yankees are now mathematically eliminated from the postseason, and will miss the playoffs for just the second time in 19 years.

“Who knows what’s going to happen?,” the five-time All-Star told reporters prior to the game on Wednesday night. “But I always play this game like it’s the last day. This year, I enjoyed being here and I’m going to enjoy the last day, being here with these guys. Nobody said I’m leaving, nobody said that I’m staying. I haven’t decided anything yet. Let’s see what happens after the World Series.”

There’s no question that the Yankees would love to bring the five-time All-Star back, but it all comes down to how much money he will command.

It could get out of hand, even for the Yankees.

WFAN and CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reported that Cano sought more than $300 million in his talks with the Yankees. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Cano is seeking a 10-year deal worth more than $300 million.

Yankees Principal Owner Hal Steinbrenner has reiterated that his goal is for the Yankees’ payroll to be $189 million by 2014.

An annual average salary of at least $30 million won’t help the Yankees get there, especially with Alex Rodriguez still on the books.

Could the two-time Gold Glove Award winner imagine himself in another uniform?

“Man, it’s hard,” Cano said. “But at the same time, I understand it’s a business. They have to decide what is the best for them, and I have to decide what is best for me and my family.”

Cano said that he plans to discuss his future extensively with his family before signing on the dotted line with a team.

Cano did seek $300M from yankees. espn 1st reported. heres our story. http://t.co/qjMqFv0R1D — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) September 26, 2013

“I want to get advice, because your mom and dad always want the best for you,” the second baseman said, according to the New York Daily News.

The superstar’s agent, Brodie Van Wagenen of Creative Artists Agency, had the following to say about his client’s negotiation process: “Out of respect to both parties, we have agreed all along with the Yankees not to comment publicly on discussions regarding Robinson’s contractual future. I am abiding by that agreement and I will not confirm any discussions or offers or whether there have been offers by either side.

“As Robinson said yesterday, he hasn’t made any decisions on his future. Robinson is among the elite talents in the game and is in the final few days of his contract, but he and I will continue to respect the process and our promise to not discuss specifics.”

Cano has been the Yankees’ best hitter this season. With four games remaining on the schedule, the ninth-year player is batting .315 with 27 homers and 106 RBIs.

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