The Seattle Mariners could look a lot different next season, especially if star second baseman Robinson Cano is traded.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Monday the Mariners are really trying to move Cano, and the two Big Apple clubs are potential destinations.
"Canó will play next season at 36," Rosenthal wrote. "He served an 80-game suspension last season for violating baseball’s joint drug policy. His contract includes a full no-trade clause. And — ahem! — he is owed $120 million over the next five seasons. But as Dipoto “reimagines” his roster, he isn’t simply mulling the idea of moving Canó. He’s actively trying to do it, and the Yankees and Mets are two of the teams he has contacted about a trade, according to major-league sources."
Rosenthal also reported, citing league sources, that the Mariners and Yankees "discussed" a Cano for Ellsbury trade. The Mariners wouldn't benefit from that trade as Ellsbury has a burdensome contract, a lengthy injury history and declining on-field performance.
Cano played the first nine seasons of his career for the Yankees and was an important piece on New York's 2009 World Series title winner. When Cano left New York, it was a huge blow to the Yankees offense and they haven't returned to or won a World Series since. However, he has not lived up to his massive free-agent contract with Mariners, so it makes sense for Seattle to trade him now and get some value for a player on the decline.
The Yankees don't really need a Cano reunion, though. New York ranked second in all of baseball in runs scored and first in home runs last season. Pitching is where the Bronx Bombers need to upgrade, even after they traded for starter James Paxton from the Mariners earlier this month. The Yankees' pitching was exposed in their ALDS loss to the rival Boston Red Sox during the 2018 MLB postseason.
The Mets need to bolster their lineup after finishing 23rd in runs and 21st in home runs last season, but a 36-year-old bat with a huge contract isn't the type of upgrade New York should be pursuing. Young, controllable talent is what the Mets should be looking for, and Cano certainly doesn't fit that bill.
Boston Red Sox
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