The rocky Robinson Cano saga has finally come to an end for the Mets. Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Mets release eight-time All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/8/22

The New York Mets officially cut ties with eight-time All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano on Sunday, a week after designating him for assignment.

Cano, 39, had nearly $45 million left on his contract with the Mets, making the move a pricy one for the team. In 12 games for New York this season, Cano was batting .195 with one home run and three RBI.

Billy Eppler says he presented various scenarios to Mets owner Steve Cohen and told him the baseball operations department's recommendation regarding Robinson Canó. He also relayed the financial impact of all avenues.

Cohen's response: "Make the baseball decision."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 2, 2022

In 2013, Cano signed one of the richest contracts in baseball history with the Seattle Mariners and earned three All-Star nods with the team before he was suspended for 80 games in 2018 for a violation of the MLB's performance-enhancing drugs policy. He was traded after that season to the Mets, but missed the entire 2021 season after another violation of the PED policy.

In over three years with the Mets, Cano appeared in only 168 games and batted .269 during his tenure.

The Mets haven't needed much help in 2022, racing out to a 19-9 start to the year. The team already has a 5.5-game lead over the Miami Marlins for first in the NL East.

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