As we all know, the rumor has been the Mariners reached out to some teams about trading their star 2nd basemen. The team that has been voiced the most is the Mets. The speculation is very real according to several reports. Robinson Cano in blue and orange? This is hard to imagine but we might not have to use our imagination to picture it much longer.
Several names have been thrown out there, from top prospects from both sides, to star studded pitchers and some high paid under performing players. My first thought when I hear Cano is typical Mets. Take on a big name guy who is clearly not what he once was. Not to take away from the guy but he is a shade of himself since his 300+ 30 homer 100 rbi days.
Of course I love the idea of bringing in a player of his caliber but the baggage that comes along with him, in particular his heavy price tag, is hard to fathom. The Mets are far from the team who takes on large contracts individuals. Now add to the equation one of the best closers in baseball and things are a bit more intriguing.
Brodie is sure making things interesting in his early going as a GM. If he can pull off a trade bringing in both of these studs while limiting the amount of salary the Mets will owe Cano I will be somewhat excited and even more impressed. At the end of the day you have to give up to get something in return. I understand fans have developed a strong connection with Jeff McNeil but if the Mets truly want to contend they have to gt a bit aggressive. I truly do not want to see McNeil or Jarred Kelenic leave this organization but I also truly want to see the amazins win a ring more.
If it takes those 2 guys I am only alright with this as a fan if the Mariners take on a heavy portion of Canos deal. This deal would benefit in the short term, but paying Cano 20+ million as a 40 year old is something the Mets would just get themselves involved in. Send Bruce and Swarzak, a couple of not so great contracts in the mix and start the Brodie Era off with a bang.
The Mets not paying a huge chunk of Canos deal brings 2 important thoughts to my mind. #1 is that it will allow the Mets to have more money to spend this off-season. We know the Wilpons are cheap but if the Mariners eat enough and take enough of our bad contracts the Wilpons might actually open there checkbooks. #2 Free agents will see the Mets are in win now mode and might become a more appealing destination.
I am very interested in waking up tomorrow morning to see if this deal gets done and what the final outcome of it is. As a Mets fan I will try not to get my hopes up as the organization usually find a way to embarrass themselves.