New York Mets need to begin Robinson Cano countdown

There was no harm in bringing Robinson Cano back. For as much as New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is willing to spend, no one wants to light over $40 million on fire if there is the chance for some sort of return. Even if he had not played since 2020 and is 39 years old, there was a chance that Cano could be somewhat useful.

But that has not been the case thus far. Cano has been as rusty as one would expect from a player who has missed that much time and then had an abbreviated spring training due to the lockout. Those struggles are also now bringing his future into question.

How much longer can the New York Mets give Robinson Cano?

It is important not to overreact to small sample sizes. That is exactly what this point in the season could be considered, especially with Cano having all of 40 plate appearances thus far. However, he has not exactly produced in that time, with seven hits, including a homer, and two walks in that time. He is also essentially useless defensively, having cost the Mets three runs in his 50 innings at second.

The Mets do have other options. Luis Guillorme can handle the keystone if Jeff McNeil needs a day off. J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith can form a platoon for the Mets at the DH spot while getting occasional time in the field. Cano is not a necessity.

There is also the matter of the upcoming roster cuts. Major League Baseball allowed teams to carry 28 players to begin the season due to the shortened spring training. That is ending in the next few days, which will force the Mets to make some difficult decisions on their roster.

But one cut should be easy to make. The Mets are aiming to win a World Series. They cannot afford to have deadwood in the lineup in the hope that he will turn it around. The clock is ticking on Robinson Cano, and time may run out soon.

Robinson Cano has struggled mightily thus far in 2022. He may not have much more time to show the New York Mets that he is worth a roster spot.