Robinson Cano Changes Teams For a Second Time This Season
Former All-Star Robinson Cano is again on the move, returning to the National League East Division this time.
On Sunday, the San Diego Padres traded Cano to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations. It’s the second time he’s changed franchises this season.
The 39-year-old began the 2022 campaign with the New York Mets, who ultimately released him back in May. They’re still on the hook for $40.5 million of what’s left owing on his contract through 2023.
Cano struggled mightily before his release, slashing just .195/.233/.268 with one home run and four RBIs across 43 plate appearances in 12 games with the Mets.
He then signed as a free agent with the Padres less than a week later, although he only appeared in 12 major-league games.
Interestingly, the 5x Silver Slugger will face one of his former clubs after joining the Braves. He’s been officially selected to Atlanta’s active roster ahead of a three-game series at Truist Park versus New York.
With second baseman Ozzie Albies currently on the 60-day IL (broken foot), there’s an opportunity available for Cano to play regularly moving forward. He’ll likely share a platoon role with Orlando Arcia, who’s hitting .279/.364/.419 with six extra-base hits and 14 RBIs against right-handed pitching in 2022.
It’s no secret that Cano has been miserable at the plate this season, both with the Mets and Padres. Though, he displayed some encouraging signs during his brief stint in the minors at triple-A El Paso.
In 21 games, the two-time Gold Glove winner posted eight extra-base hits – including a trio of home runs – 20 RBIs and a .333/.375/.479 slash line over 104 plate appearances with the Chihuahuas.
Cano spent nine of those 21 contests at second base, where he compiled 78.0 innings and committed a pair of errors.
Given the severity of Albies’ injury, which is expected to sideline him for at least six-to-eight weeks, the veteran lefty could receive plenty of at bats if he performs well. But at this stage of his career, that remains a huge question mark.
Based on his past showings in the majors, it doesn’t seem as though Cano has much gas left in the tank. Or any at all. His effectiveness has fallen off significantly since missing all of last season due to a PED related suspension.
The Braves, however, are hopeful they can catch lightning in a bottle with the veteran infielder through the rest of the first half. And they’re calling him up at a critical point of the schedule.
New York currently leads the NL East with a remarkable 53-33 record. Having said that, Atlanta enters this pivotal three-game series just 1.5 games back of first place at 52-35 on the season.
Of course, the division can’t be decided in July. And rightly so. Though, whoever wins this series could potentially receive a massive boost heading into the All-Star break, which is always crucial.
Suffice to say, you won’t want to miss this marquee showdown between the Braves and Mets.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85
Photo: David. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.