Robinson Cano’s $24 Million Mistake Could Be a Blessing in Disguise For the Mets
The New York Mets have seen much change occur this offseason beginning with Steve Cohen purchasing the organization. The move has set the stage for what could be a busy offseason ahead of the 2021 campaign. Things have now taken a disappointing turn with second baseman Robinson Cano costing himself $24 million, which may wind up helping out the Mets.
The Mets undergo ownership change
Following another campaign following short of the postseason, the New York Mets have gone through some significant change.
Earlier this month, the Mets were purchased by Steve Cohen for $2.4 billion earlier after the rest of the league owners approved the move. The transaction has pushed the organization into a new direction with the hope of getting back on track. Cohen takes over after Fred Wilpon, Saul Katz, and Jeff Wilpon exited the MLB team ownership realm.
However, the franchise just took a discouraging turn on Wednesday with news involving veteran second baseman Robinson Cano.
Robinson Cano suspended for 2021 season after positive PED test
In the weeks ahead of the annual winter meetings, the New York Mets were hit with bombshell news.
According to Jess Passan of ESPN, former All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug that will result in suspension for the 2021 season.
The 38-year-old will also forfeit his $24 million for next year, which he still has $24 million scheduled for the 2022 season in the final year of his 10-year, $240 million deal. The positive PED test marks the second time in his career, which immediately triggered a year-long suspension. Another positive test will result in a career-ending ban.
In May 2018, while with the Seattle Mariners, Cano was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Furosemide. His reputation has taken another significant hit as this second positive PED result will all but eliminate any chance of securing a strong bid for the Hall of Fame.
Cano was already on the fences being viewed as a fringe candidate for the prestigious honor, but this latest incident may entirely shut that door. Beyond that, it could likely lead to the Mets’ new ownership group to consider moving on from Cano despite his remaining final year on his deal.
The Mets have more money to spend in the offseason
Things had already shifted into high gear for the New York Mets after Steve Cohen purchased the franchise earlier this offseason.
Since then, the expectation is that the organization would be big spenders in free agency and look to make moves in the trade market. The additional $24 million in their pocket gives them more money to improve the major league roster.
Robinson Cano’s absence for the 2020 season also opens up the need to add more infield talent. The Mets could potentially address that area of need by making a strong push to land All-Star D.J. LeMahieu in free agency.
LeMahieu has some strong interest from the New York Yankees to work out a long-term deal, but the city’s other team could make a strong run. Other external second baseman options on the open market could be Howie Kendrick, Dee Gordon, Jonathan Schoop, and Kolten Wong.
The Mets also have had rumors around their potential interest in reigning NL Cy Young award winner Trevor Bauer, who will have many teams eyeing him. The chatter has seen it gear toward making a run to acquire All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who the Cleveland Indians are hoping to move this offseason.
The options may be endless for the Mets this offseason, and their pockets just got a little deeper to help improve the team.
