Robinson Cano’s Contract: The Other Story

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There are red flags in the Cano deal.

Now back to what is being reported as the 10-year, $240 million deal agreed to by Cano. The length and dollar amount is exactly the same contract that Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols was 32 and the first two years have been troublesome already. He has hit .275 with 47 HR and 169 RBI in the two years combined, for a guy that averages .321/41/124 a year.

But there are some red flag indicators in Cano’s history to point out. In 2013, he hit his fewest homers since 2009, his slugging percentage was the lowest since 2008, his runs were the lowest since 2008 and the last time we saw him in the playoffs (2012) he disappeared – .075, 0 HR, 4 RBI in 9 games.

His slash line in 2013 was .314/.383/.516, all slightly above his career slash averages of .309/.355/.504. But his runs scored, total bases and walks were all below career averages. The numbers don’t exactly scream 10-year $240. In Pujols’ age 30 season, he slashed .312/.414/.596 with 42 homers, 118 RBI and 115 runs scored.

I hope I’m wrong. I hope Cano comes to Seattle and bats .325 with 35 homers and 110 RBI for the Mariners every year for the next 10 years.

I just fear that the price of “making a splash” this offseason is that we will be irrelevant again in under five years.

Again, I truly hope I am wrong.