Mets could bring Robinson Cano back 'in a different capacity'

The New York Mets began the season as one of the hottest teams in all of MLB and took a 16-7 overall record into the first midweek of May. Like other clubs, though, the Mets had to trim their roster down to 26 players on Monday and did so by designating well-respected veteran Robinson Cano for assignment even though the eight-time All-Star is owed $24 million for the 2022 campaign and again next year. 

Cano hit .195 with one home run and three RBIs in 41 at-bats this spring before Monday's development and ultimately lost his spot on the active roster to the likes of Dominic Smith. 

Per James O'Connell of SNY, Mets general manager Billy Eppler told reporters later in the day that club owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson both supported the decision to move on from Cano.

"I walked through the transaction with Sandy (Alderson) and then ultimately with Steve (Cohen), and as we were kind of talking through the weekend and then yesterday a little bit before the game I wanted to make sure everyone was understanding of what the impact was," Eppler explained. "I passed along to him (Cohen) the recommendations of the baseball group and front office staff. I walked through some details with him (Cohen) and he said 'make the baseball decision.'" 

Eppler added Cano could possibly return to the Mets "in a different capacity," although it's unclear exactly what his role would be following his lackluster start to the season. 

Meanwhile, Mets manager Buck Showalter said the decision to go in a different direction "was best for our club at this point with the personnel." 

Mets utility man J.D. Davis admitted before Monday's home game against the Atlanta Braves that Cano will be missed inside the clubhouse: