Mets make big trade for Mariners Cano, Diaz

NEW YORK Aiming for an instant upgrade after two failing seasons, the New York Mets and their rookie general manager turned to a most familiar face.

The Mets made a splash — that much was certain — when they acquired eight-time AllStar second baseman Robinson Cano and major league saves leader Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners in a seven-player trade Monday.

In his first big move as Mets GM, Brodie Van Wagenen brought the 36year-old Cano back to New York. Van Wagenen previously was an agent and represented the former Yankees slugger.

The rebuilding Mariners also sent $20 million to the Mets for outfielder Jay Bruce, reliever Anthony Swarzak and three prospects: former first-round draft picks Justin Dunn and Jarred Kelenic, plus right-hander Gerson Bautista.

Mets fans were strongly split on the deal.

Some applauded the trade as a chance for a team three years removed from the World Series to quickly head back in that direction. The Mets went 77-85 this year despite a rotation that included NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler.

Others saw the Mets mortgaging their future for a high-priced player on the back end of his career. Many Mets rooters remembered deals for aging second basemen Carlos Baerga and Roberto Alomar Jr. that didn’t work out — it was also mentioned that on this date, Dec. 3, back in 1969, the Mets traded soon-to-be star centre fielder Amos Otis to Kansas City for washout third baseman Joe Foy.

Van Wagenen, Cano and Diaz were set to talk about the deal Tuesday during a holiday party at Citi Field.

Cano is halfway through a $240 million, 10-year contract. With the cash from Seattle, the Mets will be responsible for $100 million of the $120 million owed to Cano.