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The New York Mets have acquired eight-time All-Star and long-term Yankee Robinson Cano in a trade deal with the Mariners. The Mets also received pitcher Edwin Diaz plus cash, while Seattle received Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista.
Cano’s Connections
The New York Mets’ new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and Cano already have a connection, with Van Wagenen formerly acting as Cano’s agent. During his time as an agent, Van Wagenen negotiated a $240 million, 10-year contract for Cano. Now, he’s halfway through that contract working under Van Wagenen.
I’m thrilled to join the @Mets and to be playing baseball again in NYC. This city holds a special place in my heart – my career began here, & I’m excited to continue it here. NY is the baseball capital of the world, & playing in front of NY fans is a feeling unlike any other. pic.twitter.com/35IE23b5W5
— Robinson Cano (@RobinsonCano) December 4, 2018
80-Game Suspension
Cano is coming off of an 80-game suspension handed out by the MLB due to testing positive to the banned substance Furosemide. The 36-year-old claimed that a licensed doctor treated him with the drug, not know at the time that it was a banned substance. However, he accepted the suspension.
— Robinson Cano (@RobinsonCano) May 15, 2018
Cano’s Stats
Although he’s 36 and coming off of a long-term hiatus last season, Cano still has the potential to be a standout with the Mets. In 80 games last season, Cano batted .303 at the plate, just under his career average of .304.
Cano has also received multiple honors in his 14-year career. He’s been an All-Star on eight occasions, he’s won the Silver Slugger award five times, and the Gold Glove twice.
Edwin Diaz
The Mets also acquired 24-year-old closing pitcher Edwin Diaz in the same deal. Diaz had the most regular-season saves in all of baseball in 2018 with 57. Wade Davis got the second-most saves with 43.
I am grateful to the @Mariners organization for giving me the opportunity to start my career with them and for all those who believed in me. Many thanks to my coaches and my teammates. Seattle fans, thank you very much for supporting me. Blessings to all. #Grateful #ThankYouAll pic.twitter.com/Y92mdH0iWP
— Edwin Diaz (@SugarDiaz39) December 3, 2018
In just his third year in the Majors, Diaz was voted an All-Star. At 24 years of age, the Mets have a chance to develop Diaz even further.
Seattle’s New Prospects
The Mets traded away some of their former first-round draft picks to acquire Cano and Diaz. The Mets drafted Jarred Kelenic 6th overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. According to NBC Sports, Kelenic hit .286/.371/.468 with six home runs and 42 RBI in 56 games for the Gulf Coast League Mets and Kingsport Mets.
Edwin Diaz is one of the best closers in baseball, but the Mets have to ask themselves: Is this the time to trade valued prospect assets for a reliever when there's such a high volume available as FA?
Robertson, Kimbrel, Britton, Miller, etc., etc. About a dozen.— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 29, 2018
Justin Dunn was drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
2019 Season
The Mets will begin their 2019 campaign against the Washington Nationals on March 28.
