Maybe the San Diego Padres were not completely out of their minds when they brought in Robinson Cano. It turned out that the Atlanta Braves had use for him after all.
According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Braves have acquired Cano from the Padres. The ever popular cash considerations are heading back to San Diego.
Atlanta Braves hope Robinson Cano has something left
The Braves certainly have a need at second base. Ozzie Albies is on the Injured List and is expected to be sidelined until mid-August at the earliest. Orlando Arcia has done a respectable job in his absence, but the Braves were still looking for depth at the position. Add in their need for a left handed bat and a piece such as Cano does make some sense.
However, it is fair to wonder what, if anything, he has left. Cano had appeared to be at the end of his run in the majors, having posted a miserable 8 OPS+ in his 77 plate appearances between the Padres and Mets, hitting one homer while drawing three walks and striking out 21 times.
It is possible that those struggles were due to his needing to shake off the rust after he missed the entire 2021 season due to his second PED suspension. He has looked like his former self in Triple-A, posting a .333/.375/.479 batting line in his 104 plate appearances, hitting three homers and five doubles. There is a chance that he found something in that stint in the minors.
That performance is certainly worth a look for the Braves. The second base landscape ahead of the trade deadline is virtually barren aside from Brandon Drury and he has plenty of appeal due to an ability to play multiple positions. If Cano can provide even a slightly competent bat, he could end up being a solid stopgap until Albies returns.
The Atlanta Braves have made a move to shore up their second base situation. They have acquired Robinson Cano from the San Diego Padres.