Robinson Cano’s suspension a blessing in disguise for Mets

Robinson Cano will miss at least all of 2021 for the Mets…and potentially more

Cano’s second chance in the public eye after testing positive for PEDs in 2018 didn’t go according to plan. Just two years later, and he’s back where he started — but this time he’ll miss the entirety of the 2020 season. Per Jeff Passan, Cano will forfeit the entirely of his salary for the coming season, which is $24 million.

On the surface, the Mets losing a capable hitter in the middle of their lineup at a premium position may seem like a major hit to their NL East chances just when things were starting to look up for this franchise. Billionaire Steve Cohen just bought the team and is ready to spend, spend, spend. So, with plenty of free agent second basemen on the market, Cohen now has $24 million more to spend.

Surely, the capitalist in him will appreciate that viewpoint.

The Mets have plenty of money to throw around at the top free agent second basemen on the market

DJ LeMahieu, Kolten Wong, Jonathan Villar, Cesar Hernandez and Tommy La Stella are all on the market. In the past, budget concerns would’ve kept the Mets from reaching out to players such as LeMahieu, who’s sure to get a solid contract should he want it. LeMahieu is reportedly pushing for a five-year deal, which could help put the Mets in the running to at least put a scare in their crosstown rival.

Cano’s choices put his Hall of Fame legacy at risk, but they don’t have to ruin the Mets chances in the interim. If Cohen is true to his word, they’ll be fine, and could potentially move on from Cano for good if they deem him not worth the headache at all.