The New York Mets made a surprising move when MLB rosters shifted from 28 to 26 players earlier this month, designating eight-time All-Star Robinson Canó for assignment.
Canó was ultimately released after a disappointing start to the 2022 season, where he batted just .195/.233/.268 in 21 games. Many were questioning whether or not he would be able to find another spot on an MLB roster.
It seems that one team, in particular, believes that the 39-year-old Canó still has something left in the tank. Reports emerged Thursday that the San Diego Padres are expected to finalize a major-league deal with Canó on Friday.
The Padres are expected to finalize Canó's deal tomorrow, according to sources. https://t.co/cF9PpNSTdv
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 12, 2022
Canó is expected to serve as a lefty bat off the bench for the Padres, as well as provide some depth in the infield for the team.
This news has many around the MLB world excited to see what Canó could provide for the Padres this season.
Mets play the Padres six times this year, if you're wondering which six games of the year Canó will homer in. https://t.co/rZgbZISuJ5
— Laura Albanese (@AlbaneseLaura) May 12, 2022
Good for Robbie https://t.co/gRa3tLpTgY
— Conor McCormick-Cavanagh (@ConorMichael28) May 12, 2022
I just can’t picture Cano in a Mariners/Mets/Padres jersey. Still. https://t.co/v0Q0dhre7A
— Russell Steinberg (@Russ_Steinberg) May 12, 2022
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 12, 2022
Others are questioning the move from the Padres, and seem to believe that Canó may be too far over the hill to be a productive player at the MLB level.
Oh yes a washed up cheater will solve the Padres' problems. https://t.co/n5RFT79hdL
— Nick Lee (@NickLee51) May 12, 2022
https://twitter.com/dilipsridhar16/status/1524783481938640896
https://t.co/lEpfU9EKRv pic.twitter.com/AmwyJiSJmZ
— Call to the Pen (@CalltothePen) May 12, 2022
Canó has not done much so far this season to inspire much confidence in a turnaround for him. But he can at the very least provide a valuable veteran presence for the team going forward.
It is worth noting that Canó is from the same hometown as Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. That could certainly be a reason that the team wanted to bring him in as a potential mentor to the young star.
Fernando Tatis Jr. grew up minutes from Canó in San Pedro de Macoris. There might not be room for Canó on the roster when Tatis returns from the IL, but the Padres evidently are considering more than on-field factors here.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 12, 2022
Regardless of why the Padres decided to bring him in, it is at least nice to see that Canó’s impressive MLB career still has a little life left in it.