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New York Mets have $40.5 million question with Robinson Cano

By David Hill |
Sep 24, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (24) makes a throw to first base against the Washington Nationals in the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (24) makes a throw to first base against the Washington Nationals in the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets have a question at second base heading into the 2022 season. While Jeff McNeil is still on the roster, the Mets may regard him as more of a utility player. They had attempted to bring Javier Baez back before he ultimately signed in Detroit. Clearly, they are looking to find an upgrade at the position.

However, there is a potential problem with that plan. Robinson Cano is going to return from his year long PED suspension as he has been reinstated by Major League Baseball. With two years and $48 million due on his contract – the Mets are on the hook for $40.5 million of that amount – his future has become an interesting topic.

New York Mets have expensive question in Robinson Cano

Cano was productive when he was last on the diamond. He produced a .316/.352/.544 batting line in his 182 plate appearances in 2020, hitting ten homers and nine doubles. It was a drastic improvement over his 2019 performance when Cano appeared as though he was nearing the end of the line.

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It is fair to wonder how much of that performance was legitimate. Between the shortened season and Cano’s PED suspension, there is plenty of reason to look at his improvements with skepticism. Likewise, at 39 years old and after missing all of the 2021 season, it is fair to wonder if he has anything left.

To further complicate matters, Cano has been a beloved teammate in the clubhouse despite his PED suspensions. He is respected by the younger players and could be the presence in the locker room that the Mets were missing last year.

In the end, it is all a matter of how Cano produces at the start of the season. If he shows that he can still be a factor in spring training and on into the first couple of months of the season, he can have a major impact on the Mets. Otherwise, it may not be a surprise to see ownership eat the contract just to clear the roster spot instead of wasting a place on a player who has nothing left.

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The New York Mets have a $40.5 million question to figure out. Robinson Cano is coming back, but will he be able to make a positive impact?

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