A Robinson Cano homecoming could be relocated to a different borough.
SNY reported on Tuesday morning that a rival exec characterized the Mets as being “aggressive” in their talks with the Mariners, who are looking to trade away the ex-Yankees infielder. Cano has five years and $120 million left on his contract and is coming off a season where he was suspended 80 games for PED use. Still, Cano hit .303 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 80 games for Seattle.
The Mets are hoping to take advantage of the rebuilding Mariners’ desperation to deal away Cano. SNY reports that they would include Jay Bruce, who makes $26 million over the next two seasons, in a deal and hope the Mariners would include stud closer Edwin Diaz.
New Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen represented Cano, now 36, when he signed the 10-year, $240 million deal in December 2013. But the team remains high on second baseman Jeff McNeil and top prospect Peter Alonso will be the everyday first baseman in the near future, potentially making Cano a tricky fit.
The Yankees also had talks with Seattle for Cano in a swap that would include Jacoby Ellsbury, but The Athletic reported that talks broke down when the Yankees wanted the Mariners to include significant cash back.