Mariners News: Robinson Cano to Participate in 2016 Home Run Derby

For the first time since the 2003 season, the Seattle Mariners will be represented in the annual Major League Baseball Home Run Derby.

Robinson Cano has powered the Seattle Mariners’ offense in 2016, and the star second baseman will represent the M’s at next week’s Home Run Derby at Petco Park in San Diego, CA. Cano has slugged 20 long balls in 2016, and is more than deserving of the honor.

Cano took home the title after edging Adrian Gonzalez, 12-11, in the final round of the 2011 Home Run Derby at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ. This year will be his fourth time at the Derby, and Robbie will be hoping to make up for failing to hit any home runs during his last appearance in 2012.

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All three of Cano’s previous showings have come as a member of the New York Yankees. In fact, the Mariners have not had a representative at the Derby since Bret Boone was involved in 2003. Cano joins Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner and Boone as the only players to participate in the Derby while wearing an M’s hat. Griffey won the Home Run Derby three times as a Mariner, and he is the only player to have won the event representing Seattle.

The 33-year-old signed a 10 year, $240 million dollar deal with the Mariners as a free agent in 2013, and Cano is finally fulfilling expectations in the Emerald City. Robbie is slashing .311/.367/.550 with 22 doubles, 1 triple, 20 home runs and 56 RBI across 86 games. Put simply, Cano is putting up MVP caliber numbers.

What is most remarkable about Cano’s splendid first half in 2016 is the sharp contrast to his dismal first half last season. Cano tallied just 6 homers prior to the All-Star break in 2015, but his 20 dingers so far this season are tied for 7th in the American League. This time last year, many were predicting Robbie would never be the same player, and they were right because he’s been better than ever this season.

As has become the tradition for Cano, his father, Jose, will pitch to him during the Derby. Jose has pitched to Robbie in all three of his previous appearances, including when he won in 2011. Cano told Adam Jude of the Seattle Times that “it was something that I always dreamed — to face my dad”. This year, Robinson’s own son will be in attendance, meaning that three generations of Cano’s will be on the field next week in San Diego.

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Based on Cano’s metrics in 2016, he should have a solid chance to take home the hardware. 19.8% of his fly balls have sailed over the wall this season, which is the second highest mark of his 12-year career. ESPN projects Robbie will slug 38 round trippers this year, which would easily surpass his previous career high of 33 home runs in a single season.

Major League Baseball adopted a head-to-head format in last year’s Home Run Derby, and they are doing it again this season. Robinson Cano was awarded with the fourth seed and he will square off against Giancarlo Stanton in the first round. Stanton is having a down year in many respects, but his 19 homers are proof he is one of the strongest men in the game.

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The Home Run Derby is always entertaining to watch for baseball fans, and it will be even more intriguing this season now that the Mariners are going to be represented. The Derby will air on ESPN at 5 pm PT this Monday.