The New York Mets gave up a lot to bring Robinson Cano to Queens three years ago, including top prospect Jarred Kelenic.
He had an underwhelming 2019 and a good 2020 campaign, but late that year, in November, he was busted using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for a second time in his career, and he was suspended for the whole 2021 season.
That obviously wasn’t well-received by the Mets ownership and front office at the time, but he remains a part of the roster.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, he is expected to report to Mets camp and compete for a roster spot and a place in the lineup.
“Robinson Cano will be coming to Mets camp. Uncertain what his role is but new DH spot may help his chances. Alonso, Dom Smith, JD Davis also daily DH candidates,” Heyman said.
Robinson Cano will be coming to Mets camp. Uncertain what his role is but new DH spot may help his chances. Alonso, Dom Smith, JD Davis also daily DH candidates.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2022
What Will The Mets Do With Cano?
Cano’s natural position is second base, but he is already 39 and his range is almost non-existent at this point.
That’s why his best avenue for playing time would be the newly-created designated hitter spot in the National League.
The problem is that Davis, Smith, and even Alonso (if the Mets bring in a first baseman, like Freeman) are also candidates to play there.
Nobody will take Cano via trade: he is old and expensive (he will get $24 million from the Mets for the next two seasons).
But he showed in 2020 that his bat still carries a bit of thump: he slashed .316/.352/.544 with 10 home runs in 49 games, although he was caught using PEDs, so it’s fair to wonder how much of that is legitimate.
The fact remains that Cano will report to camp, and the Mets will have to figure out what to do with him.
They might as well let him compete for the DH gig.
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