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On WFAN: Mo's Advice To Cano — 'Money Won't Bring You Happiness'

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- So what happens to Robinson Cano now? On the heels of the Yankees agreeing to terms with center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury on a seven-year, $153 million deal, many are wondering whether the second baseman has played his last game in the Bronx.

The prize of the free-agent class is still expected to be a Yankee next season, but the Mariners have reportedly emerged as contenders to sign the slick-fielding slugger.

Mariano Rivera, thought by most to be the greatest relief pitcher of all time, chatted with WFAN co-hosts Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on Wednesday morning. Mo discussed several things with the radio duo, including his charity work and how he's spending his retirement, but the subject of Cano's future inevitably came up.

Mariano Rivera

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How would the future Hall of Famer advise Cano on how to go about free agency?

"It's a hard situation," the legendary former closer told Boomer & Carton. "Honestly, I'm different. I live here. I have my family here. So that would be a no-brainer for me. But again, a youngster like Cano, he has done tremendous (things) in the game. My advice would be, whatever he does -- either if it's in New York or away from New York -- he has to be happy. Money, first of all. Money won't bring you happiness.

"You have to recognize that. You have to be happy where you play, where you enjoy the fans ... it becomes your home. And that's what you have to worry about. If you're going somewhere that is not a good ambiance for you just because of the money, I think you're doing the wrong thing. But if he's going to stay, or he goes somewhere else, it better be for what's best for him. Not just the money."

Speaking of money, Cano is reportedly asking for a nine-year deal in the neighborhood of $250-$260 million. Earlier in the offseason, according to reports, the 31-year-old wanted $300 million for his services.

So when it's all said and done, does Rivera think we'll see Cano in a Yankees uniform in 2014?

"I hope so," the 13-time All-Star told the radio duo. "That's all I can do. I hope that he will stay with the Yankees."

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