Robinson Cano To The Mets? New York, Seattle Discussing Trade, Deal Seems Increasingly Likely

Robinson Cano Mariners Mets — Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners and Robinson Cano #22 of the Seattle Mariners celebrate a three-run home run off of starting pitcher Seth Lugo #67 of the New York Mets that also scored Cano and Jean Segura #2, second from right, of the Seattle Mariners, Jarrod Dyson #1 of the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of an interleague game at Safeco Field on July 30, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

It’s sounding more and more like Robinson Cano won’t be a member of the Seattle Mariners when the 2019 MLB season begins. The New York Mets are looking like the second baseman’s most likely landing spot, though it’s unknown exactly how close a deal is to being made.

Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan reported Thursday morning there’s an “increasing expectation” that the Mariners and Mets will agree upon a trade. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman reported that New York doesn’t believe they are on the verge of coming to an agreement with Seattle just yet, though the team continues to explore a deal for the eight-time All-Star.

Also, medicals have scuttled many a deal. So those are far from inconsequential. All in all, though, the Mariners are extremely motivated to move Canó, and they have made significant progress on a deal that would land Robinson Canó and All-Star closer Edwin Díaz with the Mets.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2018

#Mets do not currently feel like they are close to a deal for Cano/Diaz. Of course, things can change quickly, but as of this moment there is no agreement on financials or personnel that would be exchanged.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 29, 2018

#Mets are definitely in discussion with #Mariners and have held plenty of internal conversations about what they would be willing to do to get Diaz, including take a piece of Cano deal by offloading a few of their contracts such as Bruce and have Sea eat $.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 29, 2018

Here is what everyone I talk to says in some form on this issue: #Mariners badly want to move Cano, Dipoto is a deal maker and he is going to figure a way to do that, even if it means tying Diaz to him and making best of a bad situation. And #Mets are very interested.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 29, 2018

The possible inclusion of Edwin Diaz could be the biggest obstacle for the Mets and Mariners to overcome. New York is interested in acquiring the closer, who won't even make five percent of what Cano will earn next season. Diaz is probably Seattle’s most valuable asset since he’s under the team’s control for four more seasons before hitting free agency.

The Mariners might ultimately decide to trade Diaz with Cano in order to get off the second basemen’s $120 million contract. New York is likely looking to part with Jay Bruce and his $26 million contract in a potential deal for Cano.

Seattle made an offer to send Cano back to the New York Yankees, but the proposal was rebuffed. Cano is expected to waive his no-trade clause in the event that either New York team agrees to trade for him.

Diaz had 57 saves with a 1.96 ERA last season. Cano hit .303/.374/.471 in 80 games last season before being suspended for half the year because he failed a performance-enhancing drug test.

Major league baseball