MLB veteran Robinson Canó has been released by the New York Mets.
The Mets, anchored by billionaire owner Steve Cohen, made the decision to designate the struggling Canó for assignment yesterday afternoon. Canó has thus far had one of the worst years in his long career, hitting just .195 with one home run and three RBIs in 43 plate appearances. Unfortunately, though, this is expected from a player of Canó’s age.
The 39-year-old is one of the oldest active players in the game right now, and with him being designated for assignment (DFA’d), he is now a free agent and can be signed by another club. However, since he signed a massive 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners back in 2013, and then traded to the Mets in 2018, the Mets picked up his contract and still owe him the remaining $44,703,297.
Breaking news: The Mets have designated Robinson Canó for assignment.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 2, 2022
Billy Eppler says he presented various scenarios to Mets owner Steve Cohen and told him the baseball operations department's recommendation regarding Robinson Canó. He also relayed the financial impact of all avenues.
Cohen's response: "Make the baseball decision."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 2, 2022
“We had to make some difficult decisions and ultimately it came to the point where it was Robbie,” Mets General Manager Billy Eppler said. “We just weren’t going to have the plate appearances. [Steve Cohen] is very committed to winning and…it’s do what’s best for the team, for the roster and present them with facts and options.”
“It was emotional for all of us,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said. “You can expect him to get another opportunity and it wouldn’t surprise anybody for him to contribute to another club.”
Mets’ star shortstop Francisco Lindor expressed his sadness after learning of the news. “I didn’t want to see him go, but I respect the team’s decision. He’s a great guy, great teammate. I wish I [could] spend more time with him, continue to learn about the game and different things that he has been through in life. But at the end of the day, I’m with the New York Mets and I respect their decision.”
What do you think of the Mets’ designating Robinson Canó for assignment? Let us know, by either leaving a reaction below or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
