The career of Robinson Canó, once destined for the heights of baseball immortality, became a subject of intense scrutiny and debate following two major violations of Major League Baseball’s drug policy.
The question of why Robinson Canó was suspended involves a complex look at recurring violations, specific prohibited substances, and the strict escalating penalties of the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
The 2021 Shock: A Full-Season Ban
The most significant turning point in Canó’s later career occurred on November 18, 2020, when Major League Baseball announced that he would be suspended for the entire 2021 season.
This was not a standard short-term ban; because it was his second offense, the league handed down a massive 162-game suspension without pay.
At the time of this announcement, Canó was a prominent member of the New York Mets. The timing was particularly devastating for the franchise and the player, as it sidelined him for a full year of his prime and left a significant hole in the Mets’ roster.
The Substance: What is Stanozolol?
The primary reason for the 2021 suspension was a positive test for Stanozolol. Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from testosterone.
In the world of professional athletics, such substances are strictly prohibited because they are considered performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) that provide an unfair physical advantage.
By testing positive for this specific steroid, Canó was found in direct violation of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, a policy designed to maintain the integrity of the sport.
The 2018 Precedent: The Seattle Mariners Incident
To understand why the 2021 penalty was so severe, one must look back to 2018. While playing for the Seattle Mariners, Canó faced his first major disciplinary action from the league.
During that season, he was hit with an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a substance called Furosemide.
The Role of Furosemide as a Masking Agent
The 2018 suspension was controversial, not because Furosemide is a steroid itself, but because of its classification as a diuretic. In the context of the MLB’s drug policy, diuretics like Furosemide are often banned because they can be used as masking agents.
These substances help flush other prohibited drugs—such as PEDs—out of an athlete’s system more quickly, potentially allowing them to avoid detection during drug tests.
The Escalating Penalties of MLB’s Drug Policy
The reason Canó lost an entire year of his career in 2021 was due to the multi-step penalty structure of the MLB.
- First Offense: Typically results in an 80-game ban (as seen in his 2018 Seattle tenure).
- Second Offense: Results in a full-season, 162-game ban (as seen in his 2021 Mets tenure).
Because Canó had already been flagged for the diuretic in 2018, the 2021 positive test for Stanozolol triggered the maximum penalty for a second-time offender.
The Financial Fallout: A $24 Million Loss
The consequences of these suspensions were not merely professional; they were deeply financial. For the 2021 season alone, the suspension was served without pay, meaning Canó forfeited his entire $24 million salary.
Between his 2018 and 2021 violations, the financial toll on his career earnings was staggering, further cementing the “disgrace” associated with the PED findings.
A Damaged Legacy: The Hall of Fame Question
Beyond the lost games and money, the suspensions have had a “damaging” effect on Canó’s Hall of Fame prospects. Before these incidents, Canó was widely considered a lock for Cooperstown, given his elite hitting ability and defensive prowess at second base.
However, the history of PED use in baseball has shown that voters are often reluctant to induct players with multiple confirmed drug violations. By becoming a repeat offender, Canó significantly complicated his path to being honored among the all-time greats.
Robinson Canó’s Response to the Scandal
Following the second suspension, Canó’s public stance was one of resignation and admitted fault. He expressed regret over the situation, famously stating, “There’s no excuses for how or why,” regarding the circumstances that led to his ban.
Despite this expression of regret, the “disgrace” of the repeated violations remains a defining part of his late-career narrative.
Summary of Why Robinson Canó Was Suspended
To summarize the key facts
- 2018 Suspension: 80 games for Furosemide (a diuretic/masking agent) while with the Mariners.
- 2021 Suspension: 162 games for Stanozolol (an anabolic steroid) while with the Mets.
- Total Financial Cost: Over $24 million in forfeited salary for 2021 alone.
- Long-term Impact: Significant damage to his Hall of Fame eligibility and professional reputation.
The story of Robinson Canó’s suspensions serves as a cautionary tale within Major League Baseball regarding the strict enforcement of PED policies and the lasting impact that a second offense can have on a player’s finances and legacy.
