The Seattle Mariners may have found a way to entice teams to trade for Robinson Cano and his massive contract, and the New York Mets appear to be on board with completing a deal for the aging slugger.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that there has been “significant momentum” toward a Cano trade with the Mets and Mariners. It’s unclear how much of the $120 million remaining on Cano’s salary that New York would have to eat, but Seattle is apparently willing to move stud closer Edwin Diaz as part of the deal.
There is significant momentum toward a deal that would send Robinson Cano and Edwin Díaz from the Seattle Mariners to the New York Mets, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. While they characterize a deal as not done yet, there is an increasing expectation a trade will get finished.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2018
Passan went on to note that Cano would have to waive his no-trade clause for any deal to be completed, but he is expected to be willing to do that. From the way it sounds, the trade is close to being completed.
Also, medicals have scuttled many a deal. So those are far from inconsequential. All in all, though, the Mariners are extremely motivated to move Canó, and they have made significant progress on a deal that would land Robinson Canó and All-Star closer Edwin Díaz with the Mets.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2018
It was initially believed that the Mariners had no chance of trading Cano, as he is 36 and will make $24 million per season through 2023. He was also suspended 80 games last year for PED use, but he hit .303 with 10 homers and 50 RBI in just 80 games and proved he can still be productive at the plate.
Of course, Seattle’s willingness to include Diaz is the biggest factor. The 24-year-old recorded 57 saves last season and posted a 1.96 ERA, and he’s under team control for four more seasons.
The Mariners have reportedly discussed a Cano trade with at least one other team, but the Mets seem like the most likely suitor.
