New York Mets’ Robinson Cano Tests Positive for PEDs…Again

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan announced on Twitter that New York Mets’ second baseman, Robinson Cano had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs for the second time in his career.

BREAKING: New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and will be suspended for the entire 2021 season, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN. He will forfeit a $24 million salary. News story will be up soon at ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 18, 2020

According to Passan, the joint drug agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Association states that the penalty for any player who tests positive twice during their careers is an “automatic 162-game suspension.” Cano will sit out the entire 2021 MLB season and forfeit his entire $24 million salary.

In 2018, Cano was suspended for 80 games after he tested positive for using a diuretic, which is a substance that is used as a “masking agent” to cover up the existence of PEDs on a test.

After his suspension in 2018, Cano made these comments which now do not reflect well on his character.

“I would never do anything to cheat the rules of the game I love…I have never tested positive for a performance enhancing substance for the simple reason that I have never taken one.”

Cano’s original defense has been proven false by his second positive test and some have said that his hopes of Hall-of-Fame enshrinement are gone as well.

With Robinson Cano Off Books, Can the Mets Sign LeMahieu?

As MLB free agency kicks off, it is important to note that the Mets are operating with a new front office. On Oct. 30, Steve Cohen was approved by the MLB owners to become the next owner of the Mets. Cohen then fired general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, whose first move as general manager was trading for Cano.

Recently, Steve Cohen expressed his desire to bring a championship to the Met fanbase during a press conference.

Steve Cohen addresses Mets fans:

"I don't just want to get into the playoffs, I want to win a championship." pic.twitter.com/8V9DqH0aIR

— SNY (@SNYtv) November 10, 2020

Steve Cohen has been going on Twitter recently to tell Mets fans what his plans are this offseason. According to the New York Post, the Mets have an extra $24 million that they can use to sign D.J. LeMahieu. Will the Mets lure the reigning American League Batting Champ away from the Yankees this offseason? We will have to wait and see, but certainly, Steve Cohen is making Mets fans feel more confident about the team’s future.