Cano Had To Go

For all the money he got paid, you'd like to think he'd be able to play out the length of his contract. Not the case for Robinson Cano. Given everything that's happened during Cano's tenure its no surprise that this move came about. The Mets cut down roster size today, as did the rest of the league, and Cano was designated for assignment. The move ended Cano's time with the team, even though the Mets still owe him close to $40 million.

The Mets told Cano told Cano today that there weren't going to be much in terms of plate appearances. And given his performance so far this season in his twelve starts, it makes sense that he's not gonna get to the plate. Yes I know he's 39 years old but flat out he's not hitting. He's batting .192 on the year with a home run and three RBI, which is nowhere near the level a guy of his talent once had. Plus the Mets it appears wanted to keep a more diverse lineup and Cano wasn't a part of that grand plan.

It has been well documented that Cano has been a great clubhouse guy, imparting his baseball wisdom on his younger teammates and anybody who would listen. That's been an asset for this team, there's no doubt about that. But at the same time, with his salary being as high as it was from the deal he first signed with the Mariners back in 2013, and his lack of offensive production, that locker room presence wasn't enough to justify the money. Cano still wants to play. his agent, and former Mets General Manager, Brodie Van Wagenen told that much to the press earlier today after the announcement was made.

“Robbie absolutely still wants to play. Given the right situation, he can still make a meaningful contribution for a team.”

Yeah I can't really see that happening, unless a team starts getting riddle with injuries and is in desperate need of a bat in the lineup or a glove at 2nd base.

Why do I say this? easy Cano isn't anywhere close the player he was. And given the baggage of his last contract and his coming off missing all of last season due to the steroid suspension, nobody's really going to want to touch him. At least that's how I'm reading this situation from afar.

There's no doubt that Cano was a good hitter and very productive early on in his career. His production has been on the decline since his last all star season in 2017 in Seattle. That was good and all but he hasn't been close to that player since coming back to New York. And again the money is a sticking point for what he was being paid the production wasn't what it should be.

I never liked the move from the second it was made. They gave up a bit of a haul to get Cano and Edwin Diaz, including parting ways with one of the top prospects in Jarred Kelenic. Both Cano and Diaz have cause frustration in their own ways for Mets fans. Diaz has blown so many games I've lost count and Cano has been a total waste of a roster spot since coming here. Two steroid suspensions and not doing jack squat at the plate when he was in the line up will cause that frustration from the fans. He was way past his prime by the time the Mets got him here and it blew up on them.