Mets’ Robinson Cano suspended for entire 2021 MLB season after second positive PED test

New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano has tested positive for performance-enhancing drug Stanozolol, Major League Baseball reported Wednesday. Because this is his second positive test, Cano was suspended for the entire 2021 season. Cano was also suspended for 80 games under the banned substances policy in 2018.

“We were extremely disappointed to be informed of Robinson’s suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Treatment and Prevention Program,” team president Sandy Alderson said in a statement. “The violation is very unfortunate for him, the organization, our fans and the sport. The Mets fully support MLB’s efforts to remove performance enhancing substances from the game.”

Cano, 38, will lose $ 24 million in salary due to the suspension. The Mariners are responsible for $ 3.75 million of Cano’s salary with the Mets on the hook for the rest. Cano is under contract at $ 24 million per year until 2023, so he is expected to join New York in the spring of 2022.

The shortened 2020 pandemic season has been Cano’s best for several years. He’s the author of a .316 / .352 / .544 batting line with 10 homers in 49 games, numbers in line with his peak years. Cano is a career .302 / .352 / .492 hitter with 2,624 hits and 334 homers, Hall of Fame-caliber numbers for a second baseman. It is, however, difficult to see him enter Cooperstown after two PED suspensions.

For the Mets, the Cano suspension removes some of their internal blockage from the field. They can easily reinsert Jeff McNeil at second base, his natural position, with JD Davis playing third full time. This allows them to put Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo on the outside corners and pursue a natural center defender this offseason.

Of course, the Mets now have an additional $ 20.25 million to burn a hole in their pocket, and new owner Steve Cohen has indicated he’s very willing to spend this winter. Cano’s suspension could cause the Mets to rob free agent DJ LeMahieu second baseman away from rival Yankees Crosstown.