Andy Martino of SNY TV, is reporting that the New York Mets have been aggressive in their pursuit of Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano.
The 36-year-old Cano is coming off a suspension shortened season in which he still posted a 3.2 bWAR in 80 games. In addition to playing mostly second base, Cano also played two games at third base and 14 at first base in 2018.
The Mariners started selling off earlier this offseason when they dealt starter James Paxton to the New York Yankees.
Important to note that new Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen negotiated Cano’s current deal with the Mariners.
– Update by Michael Mayer
Original Report – Nov. 26
According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, sources have told him that Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has reached out to the Mets about a potential deal involving 2B Robinson Cano.
Cano served an 80-game suspension last season for violating baseball’s joint drug policy. Upon returning to the team, he hit .303/.374/.471 with ten home runs, 22 doubles, and 50 RBI.
The veteran second baseman will play next season at 36 years of age, and under his current deal he is owed a hefty $120 million over the next five seasons.
Rosenthal notes that Dipoto has also had brief discussions with the Yankees about a potential contract swap involving Cano and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. However, the two sides do not appear to be a likely match.
And as Rosenthal points out, the Mets appear even less likely to be a match for the veteran infielder. It would not make sense for the organization to take on Cano’s full contract, and ultimately block rising stars Peter Alonso at first or Jeff McNeil at second.
One source told Rosenthal that they believe the only way they could see Cano donning orange and blue next season is if the Mariners “significantly paid down his current contract and attached a top prospect to any deal.”
