New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano reflected on a disappointing first season in the blue and orange.
The New York Mets’ failure to make the playoffs in 2019 falls primarily on the bullpen and manager Mickey Callaway. The team was close to making the playoffs, as five games can be pointed to as key reasons the team missed the playoffs.
Another large factor was the struggles of second baseman Robinson Cano, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners with Edwin Diaz (who had his own struggles as well). Cano slashed .256/.307/.428 in his first season in Queens, and he spent three stints on the injured list after avoiding it the previous 12 years.
His batting average and on-base percentage were each the lowest of his career, while his slugging percentage was the second-lowest of his 15-year career. He also had several very publicized instances of failing to hustle. He spoke to the media and addressed his rough season, per Garrett Stepien of SNY.
“It’s kind of hard to describe,” Cano explained. “When you go home and then you work hard, every single day, to get ready and be able to help this team and go down twice with injury, hit in the hands four times. It’s kind of hard to feel as a player, because if I look back and if I was healthy, it would’ve been maybe a different season and a couple of times I was getting hotter, one was my quad and getting hit in the hands, so it’s hard.”
Cano did enjoy a good second half, slashing .284/.339/.541, as the Mets fought their way back into the playoff race. The soon-to-be 37-year-old will be looking to build on that second half and he knows durability will be key moving forward.
“I’ve been working out hard on my body, but this year, I’ve got to focus more on the injuries I have, especially my legs. I have to focus on getting that stronger and then just whatever I have to do to keep exercising through the season to keep that strong.”
With four years left on his contract, Cano isn’t going anywhere soon, as the team isn’t going to eat the amount of money he’s owed and cut him after one season. Fans will need to hope that he can bounce back and give the team some value next season.
