New York Mets: Robinson Cano and the chase for 3000 hits

These days, when one thinks about Robinson Cano, his PED suspensions immediately come to mind. The New York Mets’ second baseman has been suspended twice for failed PED tests, missing 80 games in 2018 and losing the entire 2021 season. Those suspensions have overshadowed his accomplishments on the diamond, leaving one to wonder how legitimate his production truly was.

Even with those questions, Cano is marching towards one of the more impressive milestones in MLB history. He has 2624 hits in his career and is just 376 hits away from joining the exclusive 3000 hit club.

New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano chasing 3000 hit plateau

Cano currently ranks third amongst active players in hits, trailing Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera. Pujols is already a member of the 3000 hit club, while Cabrera is just 13 hits away. Provided the season starts on time, Cabrera would reach that milestone by mid April.

The 3000 hit watch could have been there for Cano this season as well. Had he not missed those 242 games due to his suspensions, he would also be right on the cusp of history. With two more years left on his contract, he would be assured of reaching that milestone in a Mets uniform.

Instead, it is doubtful that he gets there. According to Fangraphs, Cano only has a 12% chance to reach that plateau, eighth amongst active players. It is possible that with two strong seasons, Cano can be within sight of that mark, if not surpass the 3000 hit plateau.

But that is a leap of faith. Cano was solid during the abbreviated 2020 campaign, but it is hard to draw any conclusions from that performance. He is 39 years old now, and has not played in nearly a year and a half on the calendar. It is possible that he can still produce at a competent level, but that is not something the Mets should hold out hope for.

Robinson Cano should be chasing down his 3000th hit this season. Instead, due to his PED suspensions, he may never reach that plateau.