METS, MARINERS FINALLY MAKE DEAL
Mariners also trade Segura to Phillies
In rebuilding mode, Seattle deals Cano, Diaz to New York and also makes a big deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
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 All-Star 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 36-year-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 center 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.
Cano served an 80-game suspension this year following a positive test for Furosemide, a diuretic that can be used to mask performance-enhancing drugs. Cano claimed the Furosemide was given to him by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic. The suspension was announced May 15, two days after Cano’s right hand was broken when he was hit by a pitch thrown by Detroit’s Blaine Hardy.
Seattle, meanwhile, announced another deal on Monday. The Mariners sent two-time All-Star shortstop Jean Segura to Philadelphia for veteran slugger Carlos Santana and infielder J.P. Crawford on Monday.
“Shortstop was an area we didn’t get a lot of production,” Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. “Segura moves the needle for us as far as win expectancy.”
Segura hit .304 with 10 homers, 63 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and had a .341 on-base percentage last season. He is signed through 2022 and is owed $60 million. He also got a $1 million bonus for approving the deal.
DODGERS: Dave Roberts agreed to a four-year contract extension Monday that would keep him as manager through 2022.
The 46-year-old skipper led the team to consecutive World Series appearances for the first time since 1977-78. The Dodgers lost in five games to Boston in October, and lost in seven games to Houston in 2017.
MARLINS: Former home run champion Pedro Alvarez has signed a minor league contract with Miami and will attend spring training as a non-roster invitee.
The 31-year-old Alvarez led the majors in homers when he hit 36 for Pittsburgh in 2013. Alvarez batted .180 with eight homers in 45 games last year for the Baltimore Orioles.
KIKUCHI: Star Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will be available to major league teams starting today, with the New York Yankees expected to be among those interested.
The 27-year-old Seibu Lions ace will have until Jan. 2 to sign a contract with a big league club. The Lions would then receive a posting fee based on the dollar amount of the pitcher’s contract.
If Kikuchi doesn’t reach a deal with an MLB team, he remains with Seibu.