According to the New York Mets‘ manager Luis Rojas, we may not see Robinson Cano for a few more days. The star second baseman is expected to debut on Grapefruit League games in late February or early March.
Rojas explained that Cano is currently working on strengthening his legs. In fact, the second sacker has been working on that for the entire offseason. It is a precautionary measure to make sure that when he returns, he does that at full strength.
The slugger had three separate stints in the injured list in the 2019 season. All of them had to do with muscular injuries to his legs, and that’s why it has been an area of focus for the Mets and for the player.
Even if he debuts in late February, Cano would still have enough time to get ready for the start of the New York Mets’ season. An early or mid-March debut would put his availability for the start of the season in jeopardy, though, but that doesn’t seem to be the case right now.
The Mets want a full season from Cano
Robinson Cano, now 37 years old, hasn’t played a full season since 2017, back when he was with the Seattle Mariners. That year, he belted 23 long balls and drove in 97 runs.
The Mets acquired him and relief ace Edwin Diaz before the start of the 2019 season. Neither of them had a particularly good year, but they are looking to rebound in 2020.
Cano had a 0.8 fWAR season, which has been his lowest output since 2008. He slashed .256/.307/.428 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in 423 plate appearances and 107 games.
For his career, the second baseman has a .302/.352/.490 line with 324 home runs, 1272 RBI and a 125 wRC+. With a strong finish to his career, he can pad his numbers and reach certain key milestones.