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Robinson Cano May Not Be Done Yet

By Connor Byrne | April 7, 2020 at 11:35pm CDT

Second baseman Robinson Cano is one of the most successful major leaguers of the past couple decades. If you go back to 2005, the season in which he debuted with the Yankees, he ranks sixth out of position players in fWAR (57.7). Only Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, Chase Utley, Adrian Beltre and Albert Pujols have bettered Cano in that category. There’s more than one Hall of Famer in that group. Utley’s the lone second baseman there who was more valuable than Cano, who has slashed .302/.352/.490 (125 wRC+) with 324 home runs over 9,264 plate appearances as a member of the Yanks, Mariners and Mets.

The 37-year-old Cano could hang it up right now and go down as one of the most accomplished second basemen ever. But he has four seasons and $96MM left on the 10-year, $240MM contract he signed with the Mariners entering 2014, so that’s not going to happen. That may be to the chagrin of the Mets, who have gotten surprisingly little from Cano since they landed him in December 2018. He came over as part of a deal that also netted the Mets then-dominant reliever Edwin Diaz (we covered his struggles last week) and cost the team a pair of well-regarded prospects in outfielder Jarred Kelenic and right-hander Justin Dunn.

Perhaps the greatest success of Cano’s career has come in New York, but a return to his old stomping grounds didn’t prove beneficial for the eight-time All-Star last season. Rather, Cano endured a subpar, injury-shortened season in Year 1 as a member of the Mets, with whom he batted .256/.307/.428 (93 wRC+) with 13 home runs and 0.8 fWAR in 423 plate appearances. By measure of wRC+, it was just the second time that Cano posted below-average offensive numbers in a season.

Considering what they gave up for Cano and the amount of money they still owe him, the Mets can only hope last season was an aberration – he was, after all, a great offensive player as recently as 2018 (a PED suspension-shortened campaign, granted). The question now is whether there’s any hope for Cano to bounce back. There just might be. Cano was a far better hitter last year as it went along. He managed a paltry .646 OPS in the first half of the season and then saw that number skyrocket to a much more Cano-like .880 thereafter, albeit over fewer trips to the plate (258 in the first half, 165 in the second). And there wasn’t really anything alarming in Cano’s batted-ball profile – he actually made more hard contact than he has for most of his career, according to FanGraphs. His hard-hit percentage (46.0) ranked in the game’s 87th percentile, per Statcast, which also pegged his average exit velocity (90.8 mph) in the 82nd percentile. That doesn’t sound like someone who’s done, though Cano’s expected weighted on-base average (.328, compared to a real wOBA of .309) fell well shy of his typical output.

Had Cano actually finished with a .328 wOBA in 2019, he’d have been in close company with fellow second basemen such as Adam Frazier, Hanser Alberto and Cesar Hernandez. Nobody there’s a true standout, but they were all around the 2.o-fWAR mark. That’s not the type of production the Mets wanted when they made the Cano trade, but if he’s at least an average player in 2020 (for the sake of our own sanity, let’s assume there will be a season), it could help the club make a return to the playoffs after a three-year drought.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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MLBTR Originals New York Mets Rebound Candidate Robinson Cano

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69 Comments

  1. homerheins

    5 years ago

    He’s been elite but testing positive for PED explains a lot and he should never be HOF. Lou Whitaker is HOF way before Cano.

    8
    Reply
    • User 4245925809

      5 years ago

      Sweet Lou was classy also. I remember every spring when he returned to Lakeland for ST he’d spend maybe half an hour after games signing autographs for the kiddies and as just “sweet Lou”

      Chatted with him a few times when he played for the old Lakeland flying tigers A ball team. The kid was just down to earth and always had a smile on his face.

      7
      Reply
      • dynamite drop in monty

        5 years ago

        Sounds creepy as hell, telling “kiddies” you are “Sweet Lou. You guys have such a macabre fascination with old school players and how “classy” they were. You think if social media was in existence back then a lot of these guys would have been painted w a completely diff brush?

        2
        Reply
        • Moonlight Grahamcracker

          5 years ago

          Ok millennial…

          7
          Reply
        • ropi68

          5 years ago

          Agree. Classy was the Babe, right?

          1
          Reply
        • its_happening

          5 years ago

          So a nice story doesn’t sit well with you Monty? Why attempt at having a sense of humor if you can’t lighten up?

          Be better. Much better. Please.

          2
          Reply
        • tannedt

          5 years ago

          You know, you don’t have to post for every article. Your reputation as a self-important jerk is secure.

          2
          Reply
  2. jorge78

    5 years ago

    Father Time always wins…..

    1
    Reply
  3. jorge78

    5 years ago

    According to Bill James, didn’t the Mets go through this in the early 1990’s? Stock up on a bunch of name veterans in their 30’s? It didn’t go well then…..

    Reply
    • jyosuckas

      5 years ago

      It didn’t. However who besides Cano (Cespedes maybe, but he’s been there for going on 5 years) have they “stocked up” on? That’s a terrible comparison, Go Fish

      Reply
      • Metsuck898

        5 years ago

        Sheffield,abreu,granderson,Adrian Gonzalez, Jose Reyes reunion, Joey bats are just some recent ones. Mets ownership is One of the worst in baseball. Instead of rebuilding or trying to acquire top free agents they always sign guys over the hill. But keep believing

        3
        Reply
        • Keithyim

          5 years ago

          Sheffield was more than a decade ago. Granderson was really good for the Mets. Gonzalez got all of 187 PAs as a Met, Bautista 302.

          Their current offensive core is Alonso, McNeil, Conforto, Davis, Nimmo and Rosario. Mostly young and homegrown. I’m not defending the Cano trade. But you’re just plain wrong.

          5
          Reply
        • Roll

          5 years ago

          So what you are saying is dont bother with having veteran bench depth which all these guys were with the exception of Granderson was supposed to be.. Granderson was a productive player with the mets even in his last season he was around 2.0 War.

          I cant justify Reyes last reup other than i think the wilpons was hoping for mets nostalgia to fill the seats or someone on the field to help rosario with defense.

          Reply
        • jyosuckas

          5 years ago

          Those are all one off’s and not one of those players were on the 92’ Mets, at least you tried

          Reply
        • nymetsking

          5 years ago

          Nobody here said they were 92 Mets. In fact, they were responding to your asking for more recent examples. At least you tried.

          Reply
  4. Rangers29

    5 years ago

    Cano is a great player, but I just have to see one more all star type season for me to believe that the PED’s weren’t what made his game so good. I like Cano, and I like the Mets. Give me two good ones and you’ve got a happy fan.

    5
    Reply
    • dshires4

      5 years ago

      Why would one season change that? That’s such an arbitrary measuring stick.

      Reply
      • Rangers29

        5 years ago

        Because after that I’d assume that father time would take the reigns, and that’s why he would decline then.

        2
        Reply
    • johnnydubz

      5 years ago

      Cano is a steroid user and has been since at least 08 when he “filled out”. He was pals with ARod and Melky who were busted long time ago.Funny how he gets busted after he leaves Yanks just like baseball downplays Yanks steroid use which helped them win 96,98,99,00,09.

      2
      Reply
      • pinstripes17

        5 years ago

        keep crying johnnydubz, you’re hilarious!

        2
        Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        5 years ago

        Melky was busted a few years AFTER the Yanks. Cano was busted much later than that even. Cano never “filled out.” Get your facts straight. You’re just another hater putz. Dime a dozen. Bred on conspiracy theories, supposition, speculation and lies.

        Reply
      • brucenewton

        5 years ago

        Reasonable to assume Cano was on whatever his buddy Arod was using, to get through the drug tests all those years on the yankees. Top payroll and roids. The yanks have always needed the first one to have a chance, if not both.

        Reply
      • DarkSide830

        5 years ago

        it very well may be because Cano was popped for a diuretic, not a PED. masking agents may have been added as banned substances more recently.

        Reply
  5. HalosHeavenJJ

    5 years ago

    I can’t imagine MLB is testing much these days. I’d expect many PED guys to have big seasons this year.

    With three months of no testing Papi might even come back ha ha.

    5
    Reply
    • Ejemp2006

      5 years ago

      If I had my legacy on the line, or a big contract on the line, I’d be using this time to do one cycle of PEDs and then an ultra cleanse.
      It would be relatively easy to pull off if you’re in the Tampa area, where there are dozens of anti-aging clinics that would not only do the injections, but also keep you muscular skeletal balanced throughout the process with sound physical therapy and massage treatments.

      1
      Reply
      • Hard to walk with four balls

        5 years ago

        You’d used PEDs because you’re garbage. No other long winded text needed. Just trash.

        Reply
        • MoRivera 1999

          5 years ago

          I’ve heard of PED users called cheaters. Never heard them called garbage. Wow. Just wow. Now that’s being triggered.

          1
          Reply
  6. bucketbrew35

    5 years ago

    I remember when people used to say Cano was better than Utley. Nope, not even with the juice.

    1
    Reply
    • phenomenalajs

      5 years ago

      Ask Ruben Tejada.

      Reply
    • nymetsking

      5 years ago

      Well, he was, soo…

      Reply
    • Keithyim

      5 years ago

      by what metric has utley had a better career than cano?

      Reply
  7. Metsuck898

    5 years ago

    Who’s to say trout, pujols, beltre, Cabrera, and utley never took peds. They just never got caught. There’s ways of passing a drug test, but I’m sure if they were caught commissioner would lose a lot of revenue. Baseball picks and chooses who they want.

    8
    Reply
    • black69

      5 years ago

      Oh come on. Who’s to say your wife isn’t cheating on you? That’s not a defense.

      Reply
    • jekporkins

      5 years ago

      Metsuck898, what you have just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this site is now dumber for having read it.

      8
      Reply
      • its_happening

        5 years ago

        You can’t hear something you read, so that is strike 1.

        There have been more “insanely idiotic” things said on this site, strike 2.

        What he said isn’t far-fetched nor was it rambling. Strike 3.

        One more strike and you’ll be as dumb as Strike 4. Nobody goes full Strike 4.

        3
        Reply
        • just here for the comments

          5 years ago

          We’re all giving you a strike 4 for that nonsense. You did it. You just went full strike 4.

          2
          Reply
        • its_happening

          5 years ago

          I’m just here to make comments. You’re just here to prove you can’t.

          1
          Reply
        • Zissou

          5 years ago

          comments.

          Reply
        • gbs42

          5 years ago

          @WereAllJustGuestsHere – you missed the joke. Do a Google search of jekporkins’ comments.

          Reply
        • Roll

          5 years ago

          they are too young im sure gbs42 .. it was before their time. Anyone with a decent sense of humor would have knwon that reference.

          their significant other is probably cheating on them with a penguin eating a snack pack 🙂

          Reply
        • its_happening

          5 years ago

          Nah. Mine was original and better. You’re welcome.

          Reply
      • Metsuck898

        5 years ago

        Jekporkins you can’t come up with your thoughts so you copy and paste a scene from Billy Madison.

        Reply
  8. 1738hotlinebling

    5 years ago

    No Cano is not one of the best second baseman’s of all time , sorry

    Reply
    • Keithyim

      5 years ago

      does top 20 make him one of the best? Wondering what your standards are

      Reply
  9. bigwestbaseball

    5 years ago

    Metsuck is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. I know more players are taking PEDS and MLB would never admit that premier players are juiced. Take a look at the body of a certain CF in the AL West and tell me he isn’t juiced. Give me a break.

    2
    Reply
    • Metsuck898

      5 years ago

      You can be fat or skinny and still be juicing. Examples dee Gordon and Bartolo colon . Arod and cano were already villains from the get go. MLB finds ways to cover up Jose altuve buzzer. If that were arod lord knows he’d be banned for life.

      3
      Reply
      • Ejemp2006

        5 years ago

        Still anxiously waiting for the RedSox investigation findings.
        If Mike Fiers didn’t call out his ex-teammates, then the commissioner would have let the Astros off.
        Maybe Betts will dime out the Sox and maybe say he wanted out so bad because of all the cheating.

        2
        Reply
        • 123redsox

          5 years ago

          Or maybe the sox didnt cheat and betts won’t

          Reply
        • pc01

          5 years ago

          Sure. And Papi never took roids. Be a fan, but at least be real.

          5
          Reply
        • royhobbs

          5 years ago

          Cheaters

          Reply
      • DarkSide830

        5 years ago

        Arod is a repeat offender rat so id approve of the disparity.

        Reply
    • Zissou

      5 years ago

      Yeah, rough stance there.

      Reply
  10. think it thru

    5 years ago

    Whenever players use peds or they cheat it always finds a way of getting out. They may be union brothers but nobody likes failing because their opponent cheated. It affects their own performance – it’s very personal. There are several players that would turn them in. Manager’s and gm’s and owners will know soon enough. What team wouldn’t want to face an opponent whose star players, cf or otherwise would be sidelined (suspended). Everyone on the inside knows and owners will report to the commissioner (who reports to the owners). That rational said I most certainly would give credence to a conspiracy theory because they may drop in attendance due to stars being out. Basically it could effect the bottom line $. But baseball has always been about integrity (supposedly) and I have to believe it still is.

    Reply
    • MoRivera 1999

      5 years ago

      Big PEDi’s secret stayed a secret his whole career, so your point is kinda weak. Snitches get stitches and players hanging together is a powerful thing, even when those players are moving around from team to team, especially if that player is popular and beloved, like Big PEDi.

      Reply
  11. okiguess

    5 years ago

    I’m more worried about his defense. Second base is not for someone pushing 40.

    1
    Reply
  12. Spirit79

    5 years ago

    Don’t think Canó is done at all. If Rojas uses him smartly he could emerge with an .800 OPS this season. If there is a ‘this season’.

    2
    Reply
  13. SaberSmuckers

    5 years ago

    I’d be interested to see MLBTR do a write-up on which players could be most hurt from a stats point of view if there was no baseball season.

    Cano is sitting at 2,570 hits. Losing all or most his age 37 season could eliminate his chance at 3,000 hits. Without this season, he’d have to average about 145 hits the following 3 seasons, more of an ask than about 105 the next 4.

    Pujols is sitting at 656 HR’s, he’s been averaging about 20 per season the last three. Without this season, or most of it, 700 may not be realistic.

    To a lesser extent, Starlin Castro just turned 30 and quietly has 1,617 hits. Losing a prime 165 or so hit season slows down his possible 3,000 hit pace.

    Any one else come to mind?

    1
    Reply
  14. andymeyer

    5 years ago

    Chase Utley you are the man

    Reply
  15. 30 Parks

    5 years ago

    I thought some Cano magic returned to NY when he hit that Opening Day shot last year. But, I was wrong. I always enjoyed watching Cano turn an unassisted double play – smooth.

    2
    Reply
  16. SEATown11

    5 years ago

    Chase Utley was dirty as well, ask Ruben Tejada how his leg feels.

    1
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      5 years ago

      okay, as much as what Utley did was kinda sleezy, you really are going to put that up there with textbook, rulebook, indisputable cheating? give me a break. (no pun intended)

      Reply
  17. Briffle2

    5 years ago

    Potentially losing an entire season really sucks for guys like Cano who are chasing milestones. With his age and declining abilities, one season could be the difference between 3k hits for him

    Reply
  18. ffjsisk

    5 years ago

    Utley a HOF’er?

    Reply
  19. Lars MacDonald

    5 years ago

    If you look at the PED problem since MLB finally acknowledged that they had one and started testing, the vast majority of the people caught are from the DR.
    MLB was ignoring this specific problem as well until very recently. The issue is that PEDs have been a part of the whole “baseball factory” industry that produces the players in the DR. The DR is a poor country and making it in baseball is such a huge carrot that many teens will take them for a chance at a different life. Who could really blame them.

    1
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      5 years ago

      terrible narrative. this narrative is mostly based off hearsay and just breeds ill sentiment towards players from the DR.

      Reply
  20. nitemare

    5 years ago

    Steroids! How do you leave that out? Most important part! Cheater who stopped cheating now blows. Case closed

    Reply
    • MoRivera 1999

      5 years ago

      You have no honest idea when he “started” using PEDs other than when he was caught. You have to own that. Anything but proof is supposition, if not slander. That being said he’s had a pretty remarkable career, especially by the yardstick of hits. COVID is really going to bite him on his quest for 3,000.

      Reply
  21. DarkSide830

    5 years ago

    God, I never thought it would come to this, but why on earth are we piling on Cano any more than any other “cheater” not named Jose Altuve? beyond just this article, but we hate on Cano more than anyone else. and i agree, i hated him as part of the evil empire, but we get more on the guy then we get on Big Papi for using something that was blatantly a PED, where a diuretic doesnt prove you were using. sure i agree with the suspension and even assuming he used because he used a diuretic, but what on earth about Cano bothers people so much?

    Reply
  22. cecildawg

    5 years ago

    Darkside? Some one mentioned the Hall. Another the Yanks. That’d be my guess to slamming Cano. Plus his dad pitched to him?
    Some commenters might want to take a vacation from commenting. You get old.

    Reply

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