Cano, Diaz headed to Mets
The New York Mets and Seattle Mariners on Saturday reportedly agreed to a blockbuster deal that would send eight-time All-Star Robinson Cano and standout closer Edwin Diaz to the Big Apple.
Diaz’s medical information has been approved, and Cano waived his no-trade clause and is expected to join the Mets on Monday once his full medical review is complete.
The deal gained significant traction on Thursday, as the Mets began informing players who would be in it. That group reportedly includes outfielder Jay Bruce, relievers Anthony Swarzak and Gerson Bautista and prospects Jarred Kelenic (No. 3) and Justin Dunn (No. 4). The Mets also will receive money from the Mariners to offset Cano’s salary, with one report saying that the number is $20 million.
The amount of money involved reportedly was the reason for the delay as of Friday afternoon. Cano, 36, is owed $120 million through 2023, but the Mets will shed the remaining salaries of Bruce ($28 million) and Swarzak ($8.5 million). The Mets expect to receive additional salary relief from the Mariners in the deal, though the exact amount remains publicly unknown.
GOLF Three knotted in Challenge
Tony Finau had a 5-under 67 that turned out to be good enough for a three-way tie for the lead in the Hero World Challenge. Tiger Woods overdid his role as gracious tournament host in the Bahamas. He shot even-par 72 to be 18th in the 18-man field.
Henrik Stenson and Jon Rahm each had a 69 on another day of warmth and mild breezes at Albany Golf Club. They joined Finau at 13-under 203.
MISCELLANEOUS Familiar faces haunt Wolves
Ex-Wolves Mackenzie MacEachern and Jake Walman scored goals to help the San Antonio Rampage earn a 5-3 victory against their former team at Allstate Arena.
Forwards Keegan Kolesar and Tomas Hyka and defenseman Erik Brannstrom notched goals for the Wolves (10-8-2-1), who faced seven ex-Wolves who played for the squads that won back-toback Central Division titles in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
♦ William Nylander’s contract impasse with the Toronto Maple Leafs ended when the restricted free agent signed a sixyear deal just before the 5 p.m. Saturday deadline. The deal is worth $10.2 million this season and $6.9 million a year the rest of the seasons. Nylander had to sign by the deadline to be eligible to play in the NHL this season.
♦ The Green Bay Packers promoted fullback Danny Vitale ,a Northwestern product, from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster. The team also activated receiver Jake Kumerow.
♦ Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points to lead the visiting Toronto Raptors to their eighth consecutive victory, 106-95 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors improved to an NBA-best 20-4 despite playing without All-Star guard Kyle Lowry, who sat out with a back injury.