Robinson Canó is a name that has been synonymous with baseball excellence for over a decade. As a seven-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger award winner, Canó has built a reputation as one of the best second basemen of his generation.
However, his recent stint with the San Diego Padres did not go as planned. After signing a major league contract with the team in May 2022, Canó struggled at the plate and was ultimately released just a few weeks later.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what happened to Robinson Canó during his brief time with the Padres, analyzing his performance and exploring what the future may hold for him in the world of professional baseball.
Robinson Canó’s Signing With the San Diego Padres
On May 13, 2022, it was announced that Robinson Canó had signed a major league contract with the San Diego Padres.
The news came as a surprise to many, as Canó had been serving a year-long suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy and had not played in a major league game since 2020.
Despite this, the Padres saw potential in Canó and believed he could make a positive impact on the team.
Canó’s signing was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move, as the Padres only had to pay him the league minimum salary while the New York Mets, Canó’s former team, would be responsible for the majority of his remaining contract.
There were varying expectations for Canó’s role with the Padres. Some believed he would serve as a backup second baseman and pinch hitter, while others thought he could potentially earn a starting spot if he performed well.
However, there were also concerns about Canó’s age (he was 39 at the time of his signing) and whether he would be able to perform at the same level he had in his prime.
Nonetheless, many Padres fans were excited to see what Canó could bring to the team, and there was hope that he could help the Padres in their quest for a playoff berth.
Canó’s Struggles With the Padres
Unfortunately, Robinson Canó’s time with the San Diego Padres did not go as planned, as he struggled at the plate and was ultimately released by the team after just 12 games.
During his brief stint with the Padres, Canó recorded just three hits in 32 at-bats, resulting in a batting average of .094. He also struck out 10 times in 34 plate appearances, indicating that he was having difficulty making contact with the ball.
There could be several reasons for Canó’s struggles. One possibility is his age. At 39 years old, Canó is nearing the end of his career, and it’s not uncommon for players to experience a decline in their performance as they get older.
Another factor that could have contributed to Canó’s struggles is the fact that he had not played in a major league game since 2020 due to his suspension. It’s possible that he was still adjusting to the pace and intensity of major league pitching after spending a year away from the game.
It’s also worth noting that Canó was only given limited playing time with the Padres, which may have made it difficult for him to get into a rhythm at the plate. In his 12 games with the team, he only had 32 at-bats, which is a small sample size.
Overall, it’s unclear exactly why Canó struggled with the Padres, but it’s clear that he was not able to perform at the level that the team had hoped for.
The Padres’ Decision to Release Canó
On June 2, 2022, the San Diego Padres announced that they had released Robinson Canó. The move came just a few weeks after the team had signed him to a major league contract, and it was a surprise to many fans and analysts.
The decision to release Canó was likely influenced by several factors. One of the main factors was his lack of production at the plate. As mentioned earlier, Canó struggled during his time with the Padres, recording just three hits in 32 at-bats and striking out 10 times.
With the team in the midst of a competitive season and fighting for a playoff spot, the Padres likely felt that they could not afford to keep a player on the roster who was not producing at the plate.
Another factor that may have played a role in the decision to release Canó is roster needs. The Padres had several players on the injured list at the time of his release, and they may have needed to free up a roster spot in order to bring in a player who could contribute more immediately.
Ultimately, the decision to release Canó was likely a difficult one for the Padres, as they had hoped that he could help them in their quest for a playoff berth. However, with his struggles at the plate and the team’s need to fill roster spots, it was a move that they felt they had to make.
Robinson Canó’s Future in Baseball
Robinson Canó’s release from the Padres has left his future in baseball uncertain. At 39 years old and coming off a suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, it’s unclear what options will be available to him moving forward.
One possibility is that Canó could choose to retire from baseball. He has had a long and successful career, with over 2,600 hits and 334 home runs, and it’s possible that he may decide that it’s time to hang up his cleats and move on to other pursuits.
Another option for Canó would be to attempt to sign with another team. However, given his recent struggles at the plate and his age, it’s possible that he may not be seen as a desirable player for many teams.
It’s also worth noting that any team that signs him would have to take on the remainder of his contract, which could make it difficult to find a suitor.
If Canó does decide to continue playing, it’s possible that he may have to accept a more limited role on a team. For example, he may have to serve as a backup infielder or designated hitter, rather than a regular starter.
Ultimately, the decision about Canó’s future in baseball will be up to him. He will need to consider his options carefully and weigh his desire to continue playing against the realities of his age and recent performance.
Whatever he decides, he can look back on his career with pride, knowing that he was one of the best second basemen of his generation.
Robinson Canó’s Brief Stint With the San Diego Padres
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 13, 2022 | Robinson Canó signs a major league contract with the San Diego Padres |
| May 13 – June 1, 2022 | Canó bats .094 in 12 games with the Padres, striking out 10 times in 34 plate appearances |
| June 2, 2022 | The Padres release Robinson Canó |
| Contract | Canó’s contract with the Padres was a major league deal worth $1.25 million for the remainder of the 2022 season. |
FAQs
What was the length and value of Robinson Canó’s contract with the Padres?
Canó’s contract with the Padres was a major league deal worth $1.25 million for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Why was Robinson Canó suspended by MLB?
Canó was suspended for 162 games without pay in 2021 after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing drug.
What teams has Robinson Canó played for in his career?
Canó has played for the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres.
What are Robinson Canó’s career stats?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Canó has a career batting average of .303 with 334 home runs and 1,302 RBIs.
Has Robinson Canó won any awards or accolades during his career?
Yes, Canó has won numerous awards during his career, including 8 All-Star selections, 2 Gold Gloves, and 5 Silver Slugger awards.
What is Robinson Canó’s legacy in baseball?
Robinson Canó is widely regarded as one of the best second basemen of his generation and has left a significant mark on the sport of baseball with his impressive career stats and numerous accolades. However, his suspension for violating MLB’s PED policy has also been a part of his legacy.
Conclusion
Robinson Canó’s signing with the San Diego Padres was met with anticipation and excitement, but unfortunately, his performance on the field did not meet expectations.
With a .094 batting average and just three hits in 32 at-bats, the Padres made the decision to release him just a few weeks after signing him.
Moving forward, Canó’s future in baseball is uncertain. He may choose to retire, attempt to sign with another team, or accept a more limited role if he continues playing.
Regardless of what he decides, Canó can look back on his career with pride, knowing that he was one of the best second basemen of his generation and made significant contributions to the sport of baseball.
