Robinson Cano has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for the entirety of the 2021 season. This is a shocking development that has major ramifications for both the veteran infielder and the New York Mets. Jeff Passan broke the news Wednesday afternooon.
BREAKING: New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and will be suspended for the entire 2021 season, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN. He will forfeit a $24 million salary. News story will be up soon at ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 18, 2020
Robinson Cano Suspended
Robinson Cano was one of the best Mets in 2020. He hit .316/352/544 with 10 home runs in just 182 plate appearances. That translates to a 144 OPS+ and 1.3 WAR. There were very few players that performed better than Cano did despite his advanced age. It isn’t often that 37-year-olds perform to that level, especially not in an era where the most talented players are trending younger and younger. His glove is not what it used to be, but he more than made up for things with his batting ability.
The Mets originally acquired Cano via trade with the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Jarred Kelenic and a handful of others. He has been nothing less than very good since joining the National League East team with a two-year slash line of .275/3241/463 and 23 home runs in 605 plate appearances. The Mets might have been one of the more dysfunctional teams during those two seasons, but Cano did everything he could to help make them competitive. His suspension radically dramatically changes the team’s offseason plans.
This Is a Huge Event for the Mets
This suspension affects both Robinson Cano and New York in huge ways. The positive PED test is his second, so any chance he might have had of making the Hall of Fame is basically over. A segment of writers might have been willing to overlook one test, but two is impossible to ignore. It is sad that Cano’s career might end in such a shameful fashion. The Mets will save $20.25 million and the Mariners will save $3.75 million with this suspension. The Mets new owner was said to be looking to make a big splash this offseason. Now with another 20 million dollars to spend the options are much bigger now.
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