The New York Mets have released veteran second baseman Robinson Cano on Sunday. The move comes after the franchise designated him for assignment earlier in May.
The Mets made this move even though Cano still had two years and $45 million left on his deal. The 39-year-old player is expected the get the full amount owed to him and is also free to sign with another MLB team.
Cano struggled in 2022 after not playing at all in 2021 due to a suspension. He batted .195 in 12 games this season while having only one home run and three RBIs. It remains to be seen if he’ll get a chance from another team to bounce back or if his career in the majors is over.
The Mets acquired Robinson Cano in a blockbuster trade with Seattle Mariners ahead of the 2019 MLB season. At that point, Cano had five years and $100 million left on the 10-year, $240 million contract he signed with the Mariners in 2013.
Cano battled injuries and inconsistency in his first year with the Mets, batting .256 with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs. He managed to improve his production in shortened 2020 MLB season with a batting average of.316, 10 homers, and 30 RBIs, but ended up being an outlier in his troubled stint with the Mets.
Cano, who started his MLB career with the NY Yankees in 2005, has eight All-Star appearances and World Series title from 2009 on his resume. His career stats include a .302 batting average, 2,632 hits, 335 home runs, and 1,305 RBIs.
