Cesar Tordesillas

Robinson Cano's agent Scott Boras and the New York Yankees have talked about a long-term contract.

This was confirmed by Yankees president Randy Levine.

"We recognize Robbie is one of the best players in the game, and he is going to be entitled to a significant long-term contract," said Levine.

The Yankees traditionally refuse to negotiate any extensions on existing contracts, but owner Hal Steinbrenner wants an exception for Cano, who will become a free agent next winter.

Boras confirmed that he and the Yankees had been in conversations for the past three weeks, stating the sides planned to "continue the dialog."

However, Boras did not indicate whether he and Cano would consider signing an extension with the Yankees without testing free agency next winter.

Cano, 30, will play this season under a team option that will pay him $15 million.

According to Levine, Steinbrenner has set to keep the paayroll within $189 million, but they must be fielding a championship team."

Cano's payoff is likely to be in line with the deals signed by Albert Pujols ($240 million for 10 years), Joey Votto ($225 million for 10 years) and Felix Hernandez, who recently signed a seven-year, $175 million contract extension with the Seattle Mariners to become the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history.

"We can still make a significant offer to Cano and stay within the $189 million limit," Levine said.

Cano batted .313 with 33 home runs, 94 RBIs and a team-high .929 OPS in 2012. The four-time All-Star is a .308 career hitter who is considered one of the best defensive second basemen in the majors.

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Yankees Pursue Long-Term Deal with Robinson Cano