The Seattle Mariners are searching for a team that would be willing to take on at least some of the $120 million Robinson Cano has remaining on his contract, and they may have found a potential trade partner in the New York Mets.
A rival executive who has been in touch with the Mets this offseason told Andy Martino of SNY.tv that the Mets have been “aggressive” in pursuing Cano. Like any other team, they would want Seattle to eat a portion of the $120 million Cano is owed over the next five seasons. However, Martino notes that New York would like to rid itself of Jay Bruce’s contract, as the 31-year-old outfielder is owed $26 million over the next two seasons. If Seattle is willing to take Bruce, that would be a start.
Another way the Mariners could sweeten the deal is if they were willing to part ways with stud closer Edwin Diaz. However, Seattle likely wants top prospects in return for the 24-year-old Diaz, who had 57 saves and a 1.96 ERA last season and is under team control for four more years.
There are numerous obstacles standing in the way of any Cano trade. The second baseman is 36 and was suspended for 80 games last season for testing positive for PEDs. However, he hit .303 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in just 80 games. While the back end of Cano’s contract is a nightmare, he should still be a productive player for the next year or two at least.
The New York Yankees and Mariners reportedly discussed a Cano deal recently that involved another player with a massive contract, but those talks fell apart.
