Mets veteran second baseman Robinson Cano tells Kevin Kernan of The New York Post that young shortstop Amed Rosario is going to be a “superstar.”
“He can run, he can field, he’s strong and he is going to add muscle as he gets older, that’s going to be something else. He listens, too. I love the kid,” said Cano, who did not mince words about the 23-year-old shortstop’s potential.
At the age of 36, Cano is mentoring Rosario, as Jose Reyes did the past two seasons. The only difference is, Cano is still at the top of his game, slashing .303/.374/.471 with a wRC+ of 136 in 2018. The second baseman also holds a career line of .304/.355/.493 to go along with 311 home runs.
“Robbie has helped me so much. I am working really hard and come to the field every day listening to what he has to say,” said Rosario, who hit 256/.295/.381 with an 85 wRC+ and 24 stolen bases last season.
Rosario said he does not look at Cano’s praise as “pressure,” but instead tries to mimic the veteran’s routine of bringing the same high energy to the field each day. He also expressed how much Cano has boosted his confidence level, which has translated into a successful spring. In Grapefruit League play Rosario is slashing an impressive .400/.478/.800 line.
Todd Frazier also spoke on Rosario’s ability to adjust, which helped him improve as the season went on last year. Frazier also cited his defense, natural swing, understanding of the game, and eagerness to learn as positive signs to his potential stardom, as well.
With a promising spring and high praise from his teammates, Rosario seems primed to have a breakout year in his second full season in the big leagues. Having a veteran star mentor like Cano will only help further develop Amed, who not long ago was a top prospect in baseball.
