Don’t look now, but Brodie Van Wagenen and the New York Mets are said to be “aggressive” as it pertains acquiring Robinson Cano.
It’s Robbie Cano, don’t ya know? If you didn’t, you’re about to find out.
As per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets are “actively trying” to swap Robinson Cano, and there have been conversations with New York’s NL club.
Furthermore, Andy Martino of SNY reports that the Mets have remained “aggressive” on their pursuit of the former Yankee.
“Per major league sources, here are the basic parameters of what the teams are discussing: Cano would go to the Mets, and Seattle would pay approximately $10 million annually of the $120 million owed to Cano over the next five years. That would take Cano’s annual salary down to about $14 million.
“The Mets are also trying to get Seattle to take on a burdensome contract like Jay Bruce’s, and obtain a player like Edwin Diaz or Mitch Haniger.”
Cano, 35, is, of course, most fondly remembered for his time north in the Bronx. From 2005 through 2013, Cano qualified for five AL All-Star teams while hitting a pretty .309 and smashing 204 home runs helping result in 822 runs batted in.
When the Yankees decided to go in another direction (Jacoby Ellsbury) during the 2010-11 hot stove season, Cano signed a pricey deal with the Seattle Mariners. He’s clubbed 107 home runs and 411 runs batted in while hitting .296 over the last five seasons in the Great Northwest.
The question remains, “Just how much does the lefty have left in the tank?”
Cano only played 80 games a season ago due to an 80-game suspension for his use of performance-enhancing drugs. His final line of 10 homers and 50 RBI turned out to be, by far, the worst of his career. He did, however, still hit .303.
The question Brodie Van Wagenen must answer relates to where Cano would play. Second base is shored up with the young and exciting Jeff McNeil. Cano played 69 games at second a year ago, but also found time at first base (14 games). Without the DH at his disposal, first base may be the spot Cano lands.
As previously mentioned, the Yankees are also in on the Cano discussions. Either way, expect movement soon. Mariners general manager Jerry DiPoto has been insanely active thus far this offseason, including the trade that sent James Paxton to the Bronx.
