Mets’ Cano Suspended for 2021 Season
For the first time in decades, Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) are not the first thing to come to mind when one hears that a player has tested positive. For Mets’ infielder Robinson Cano, this week became the second time in his sixteen-year MLB career that he will face a suspension for PEDs. For second time offenders, a failed test results in a one-season suspension. If Cano were to fail for a third time in the future, he would be given a lifetime ban from MLB.
There are a variety of ramifications in play. First, the Mets are no longer responsible for paying Cano $20.25M of the $24M he is owed this season (the Mariners cover the difference, as agreed upon in the trade that sent Cano to New York). Also, the Mets gain an opening in their infield and active roster. Immediately, speculation started brewing about the Mets’ interests in star second baseman D.J. LeMahieu. While there are no indications that any contact has been made between the two parties, this suspension certainly eases the pathway to negotiations.
Cano’s Baseball Hall of Fame opportunity also took a great hit upon the emergence of his test results. Many voters struggle to elect players that failed a single test for PEDs, even with “slam dunk” resumès sans steroids. Cano was already on thin ice as it was, and this second suspension all but ensures that his name will not be represented in Cooperstown in his post-playing days.
The New York Mets are an organization that is in the middle of making major changes to its management, front office, and ownership. Multi-billionaire Steve Cohen purchased the organization this offseason and promised to spend money to win a World Series “in 3-5 years”. Brodie Van Wagenen was let go from the General Manager position on Cohen’s first full day as principal owner.
Now, their second-highest paid player will miss the 2021 season.
Photo Via: NY PostCano faces a one-year suspension following a failed test for PEDs.