Padres sign infielder Robinson Cano
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Padres reached a deal with veteran Robinson Cano after being released by the New York Mets.
The San Diego Padres offense has been lackluster lately, and another bat or two is definitely needed. As such, a bat is coming.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Padres emerged as frontrunners for veteran infielder Robinson Cano.
Hearing Padres are close to signing Robinson Cano
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 12, 2022
Cano began the season with the New York Mets and was designated for assignment after a brutal start to the season. Unfortunately, the Mets couldn’t find a trade partner and were forced to release him outright, eating a ton of cash in the process.
On Friday, the Padres made it official and inked Cano to a major-league deal, according to Heyman.
Robinson Cano is expected to sign with the Padres today and be activated for tonight’s game. Gives them proven lefty bat, probably off bench to start with DH potential.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 13, 2022
Cano was suspended for the entire 2021 season after another violation for performance-enhancing drugs and couldn’t get in the groove to begin 2022. Cano posted a measly .195 batting average with one home run and three RBIs in just 12 games for New York.
The decision by the Padres to sign Cano is a bit puzzling on the surface, but Preller is running out of time to fix the offensive issues. This also isn’t the first time Preller has signed a player toward the end of their career — he did it with Jake Arrieta.
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The former Mets’ second baseman will likely spend some time as the designated hitter. He will be the backup second baseman, giving Jake Cronenworth and Ha-Seong Kim an occasional breather after C.J. Abrams was sent down to AAA.
It’s a long shot, but if Cano can get back to his old ways, the Padres might benefit from the Mets’ decision to release Cano.
At worst, Cano gives manager Bob Melvin a veteran left-handed bat off the bench and some insurance in case of another injury in the infield.
Matthew Wadleigh, born in Oceanside and currently lives in Fresno. He lives with his wife and 2 dogs and is a sports enthusiast. Retired drummer and member of the Fresno State Marching Band. He has been a Padres fan since childhood and has suffered during the struggles just like everybody else.