New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor admitted he didn't want to see Robinson Cano being let off but added he respects the team's decision. On Monday, the Mets designated Cano for assignment. Cano, who missed the entire 2021 season due to the PED suspension, had a rough start to the season and the expectation was that the Mets would likely move on from the veteran outfield.
“Sad,” Lindor said, per The New York Post Sports. “I didn’t want to see him go, but I respect the team’s decision. He’s a great guy, great teammate. I wish I [could] spend more time with him, continue to learn about the game and different things that he has been through in life.
But at the end of the day, I’m with the New York Mets and I respect their decision”.
Lindor: I'm sure Cano wanted to continue with the Mets
“I’m sure he was sad,” Lindor said. “But life continues.
… There’s still a couple days [until Cano’s fate is resolved, likely with the Mets releasing him], so we’ll see what happens”. Cano is 39 but his agent confirmed to the New York Post that the veteran infielder plans to continue his career.
“He’s patient,” Lindor said. “He has a lot of patience and he’s very humble. Happy guy. He always had a different story every single day. You knew where Cano was because he was either laughing really loud or telling a story really loud.
Wherever he goes, I wish him nothing but the best”. J.D. Davis, a third baseman and left fielder, also admitted losing Cano wasn't easy because he is someone deeply respected within the Mets locker room. "He's been around for so long in this game and he's an icon here in New York," Davis said.
"He's been a centerpiece in this clubhouse, been a leader. To lose him, it definitely takes a little bit of wind out of our sails."