The Mets optioned RHP Yoan Lopez to Triple-A and designated infielder Robinson Cano for assignment on Monday. The move comes as a result of MLB's roster deadline. Due to the lockout, teams were allowed to carry two extra players on their rosters though April. But the league set a deadline of May 2nd at 12 PM EST for teams to trim their rosters from 28 to the usual 26.
There was plenty of speculation surrounding the Mets as to which players would be getting the boot. Optioning Lopez makes sense as the team is able to keep him within the organization. But designating Cano means New York will either release him or trade him. And his rather sizable contract makes him an extremely difficult piece to deal away.
Robinson Cano's on-field performance ultimately was his downfall this season. He is hitting just .195 with a single home run and 3 RBI's. Cano's playing time had decreased over the past couple of weeks and it became apparent that the Mets were destined to move on from the veteran infielder.
Francisco Lindor previously stated that he would be upset if New York cut Cano from the roster. It will be interesting to see how he responds now that the news has become official.
At 39 years old, the future looks rather bleak for Robinson Cano in the MLB. But it is possible that a team takes a chance on him. However, his performance with the Mets this season won't have teams falling at his feet to sign him. Nonetheless, contending teams typically prefer to have veteran clubhouse presences on their roster. The St. Louis Cardinals signed Albert Pujols for that reason.
So although his MLB days may be numbered, we could see Robinson Cano in an MLB uniform once again unless he decides to ultimately call it a career.
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