Report: Mets 'aggressive' in pursuit of Mariners' Cano
Robinson Cano's potential return to New York may not come with the Yankees.
The Mets are being "aggressive" in their pursuit of the Seattle Mariners second baseman and are hoping the Mariners sweeten their trade offer, a rival executive told Andy Martino of SNY.
Parameters of a deal between the two sides would send Cano to the Mets, with the Mariners paying approximately $10 million of his salary annually over the next five years, sources told Martino.
New York is also trying to get Seattle to take on a player like Jay Bruce while obtaining either Edwin Diaz or Mitch Haniger, Martino adds.
Seattle's been trying to trade Cano for a week, and reportedly contacted both the Mets and Yankees about a deal involving the eight-time All-Star.
Jeff McNeil had a strong finish to 2018 as the Mets' starting second baseman, but Cano's veteran presence and career track record could be desirable if the organization wants to win now. Martino explains Cano would play second for the Mets with McNeil moving to third.
The 36-year-old Cano is owed $120 million over the next five seasons and only appeared in 80 games last year after violating the league's drug policy. He hit .303/.374/.471 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Over his 14-year career, Cano's been one of the league's most durable players, averaging 148 games per season. He owns a career slash line of .304/.355/.493 with 311 home runs and 1,233 RBIs.
Meanwhile, a Yankees swap involving Jacoby Ellsbury failed to pick up steam, but they haven't ruled out revisiting the subject, according to Martino.