Report: Mariners, Mets Making Significant Progress in Cano, Diaz Trade

Well, the baseball world erupted with the news on Thursday morning that the Mariners and Mets have made “significant progress” in the reported Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz trade package.

The rumor, which has been kicked around by everybody (including us) has finally picked up steam and the Mariners and Mets are said to be relatively close to making a deal. An MLB executive says it is now more likely to happen than not.

No terms are finalized and the money situation or Cano’s NTC are still yet to be resolved. What we have heard is speculation of 3 players whom the Mariners and Mets have discussed. They are Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn, and Jeff McNeil.

Kelenic appears to be the real prize of these talks, as the 19-year-old first round pick of 2018 has All-Star level potential. John Harper had this to report:

Two scouts said Mets would be making big mistake if they give up Kelenic, last year's 1st-round pick, in Cano trade. Said one: "He's still young (19) but he has a chance to be a superstar."
— John Harper (@NYNJHarper) November 29, 2018

Kelenic is a true 5-tool player, though will probably need to move off centerfield down the road. But his bat and arm are more than good enough for a corner spot. Kelenic simply has a knack for putting the barrel on the baseball, with the bat speed and patience required to make him a great all-around hitter.

Jeff McNeil is a 27-year-old infielder who has hit just about everywhere down the line, including during his MLB debut in 2018. In his 248 PAs at the Big Leagues, he slashed .329/.381/.471 with 3 homers and 7 steals. Primarily a second baseman, McNeil also has played SS and some 3B in pro ball, giving him some nice versatility. He is also an above-average defender and base-runner.

We already broke down Justin Dunn in this article, but his inclusion in these talks is not surprising. Dunn was believed to be the consensus Mariners selection with the 11th pick of the 2016 draft before Kyle Lewis fell to the 11th spot. Dunn probably starts the year in AA with a legitimate shot at making his debut in the 2019 season.

As we often say, these talks are still ongoing, and nothing is finalized until the deal is announced. There are still a lot of tripwires in this deal and things are far from over. Just recently, Ken Rosenthal tweeted this little tidbit:

Sources: 2B Jeff McNeil in play for #Mariners as well as Kellenic/Dunn in potential Cano/Diaz trade with #Mets. #Phillies also talking to SEA, possibly just for Diaz, as @JoelSherman1 said. NYM names would seem difficult to top, but hard to judge without knowing $, full details.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 29, 2018

With the Phillies now involved, it could slow talks a bit. We will continue to follow the events of today, and report back with any updates as they come our way.

Well, the baseball world erupted with the news on Thursday morning that the Mariners and Mets have made “significant progress” in the reported Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz trade package.

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