The rich continue to get richer in the MLB. Reigning World-Series Champions Atlanta Braves have acquired infielder Robinson Cano from the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash. Cano adds a veteran presence to the Braves lineup and will most likely be used as a designated hitter or bench bat.
Cano has had a whirlwind of a career, especially towards the tail end. The 39-year-old was released by the Mets a few months ago after a tumultuous tenure. Since joining the Mets via trade from the Seattle Mariners, Cano has been in a rockslide towards the bottom. He was suspended all of 2021 after failing a PED test, then in his first few games for the Mets, he put up atrocious numbers. Hitting just .195/.233/.268 in his first 12 games, the Mets had no choice but to release him on May 8. After signing with the Padres, Cano went on another stretch of bad form, only registering three hits on 33 at-bats and striking out 10 times.
The Padres had originally designated him for assignment to the minor leagues, however, Cano opted to become a free agent, but after going unsigned he joined the Padres Triple-A affiliate in El Paso. In El Paso, Cano hit .333/.375/.429 with five doubles, three triples, and 20 RBI, a significant uptick in production.
Cano made his debut for the Braves against his old team the New York Mets on Monday, going 2-3 at the plate in a 4-1 loss. Cano said that he is determined to continue to prolong his MLB career and has put in the work to do so. “I know what work I’ve put in the offseason and I’ve always believed in myself and the stuff that I do to prepare myself, I feel that I can still play this game,” he said.
Braves’ manager Brian Snikter said that he is hopeful that Cano can still produce on the field. “I think he was rusty when he was here for the first two times,” he said. “You’re just hoping you get what Robinson Canó is capable of. It’s worth a try. He’s been playing a month in Triple-A and doing well, so we’ll see. He’s in great shape.”
The Braves sit just 2.5 games back of the Mets for first place in the NL East.
