Robinson Cano Suspended from the Entire MLB Season 2021

Robinson Cano, the second baseman for the New York Mets was suspended from the entire 2021 season. He got suspended after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PED), Stanozolol for the second time. He would not play for the entire 2021 season. Per the banned substance policy in 2018, he would not be allowed to play for 80 games. 

Talking about Cano’s suspension, Sandy Alderson, the president of the team said, "We were extremely disappointed to be informed about Robinson's suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The violation is very unfortunate for him, the organization, our fans, and the sport. The Mets fully support MLB's efforts toward eliminating performance-enhancing substances from the game."

Cano’s Suspension and further Actions.

The 38-year-old Cano, after being found violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program would be deprived of $24 million in salary. $3.75 million of Cano's salary is on the part of the Mariners and for the rest of it, the Mets are on the hook. Cano is already under a contract at $24 million annually through 2023. Therefore, he will be joining New York during the 2022 spring training season. 

Cano’s 2020 shortened-season

It was the best game for Cano in the 2020 shortened season in many years he has been associated with the league. In all 49 games, with 10 home runs, Cano authored a .316/.352/.544 batting line. This is something too tough to see him moving away from the upcoming season after the PED tests. 

For the Mets, this suspension would clear up the logjam through the infield -- where Jeff McNeil could be inserted into the second base & J.D. Davis in the third base. Consequently, they can put Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto through the outfield corners. This will allow them for the season to pursue a natural center fielder. The Mets may spend the extra $20.25 million by stealing DJ LeMahieu, free-agent second baseman from Yankees. 

Cano’s Career. 

Cano would have been worthy of the Hall of Fame, had he not been suspended. He is an eight-time All-Star second baseman and has won a World Series ring, two Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers & an All-Star Game MVP. Among the second base position players, Cano ranked 17th, ninth in OPS+, fifth in RBI, fourth in doubles, ninth in slugging, and 20th in average. 

Cano, however, did not win an MVP, but he finished sixth once, fifth twice, fourth once & third once. Cano, it is not the best, but he is one of the best! He is just left with 376 hits to reach 3,000 career hits. Had Cano not been suspended, he would have been one of the top players for the upcoming 2021 seaSON. He is just 29 doubles away from 600, where only 17 players have reached. In the past, PED ties have kept players like  Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.