In November 2020, a few weeks after the New York Mets‘ participation in the regular season ended, it was revealed that second baseman Robinson Cano had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for a second time in his career.
He received a 162-game suspension per the league’s policy, meaning he would miss the entire 2021 campaign.
That ended up being the case: Cano, who came over to New York in 2019, didn’t play at all last year.
Reports began circulating around the Internet, saying that Cano had played his last game with the Mets.
He received no pay last year because of his suspension, so we can say that it cost him $24 million.
He returned to the team over the weekend, though, and while it’s still not a sure thing that he begins the year with the Mets, it’s the most likely scenario.
For that to happen, though, Cano needed to have a meeting with his teammates, which happened on Monday.
Cano Had A Face-To-Face With His Teammates
Tim Britton, who covers the Mets for The Athletic, tweeted that, “Showalter said Robinson Cano addressed the team today with a tone that could be described as apologetic. Said Cano can be a big part of the team. ‘Robby can hit when he’s 50.'”
Showalter said Robinson Cano addressed the team today with a tone that could be described as apologetic. Said Cano can be a big part of the team. "Robby can hit when he's 50."
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) March 14, 2022
Showalter is Buck, the Mets’ skipper, and he knows a lot about clubhouse dynamics.
He understands that Cano made a mistake and is, apparently, giving him the chance to start over and try to contribute.
But he needs to repay the team’s faith.
The Mets would probably prefer to trade Cano, but his value is almost zero, being 39 years old and earning a $24 million salary.
If he is given the chance to get ready to have a role, however, he could surprise a few people.
He has hit .303/.352/.492 with 334 career homers and slashed .316/.352/.544 in 2020, his last season.
He may still have something left in the tank to be a part-time designated hitter and emergency infielder.
Leave a Reply