Report: Mets, Mariners expected to reach blockbuster involving Cano, Diaz
The New York Mets and Seattle Mariners are closing in on a deal that would send Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to New York in exchange for Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, and at least two top prospects, sources told Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.
The trade is expected to be completed by Friday.
New York has begun informing players involved in the potential deal, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Rumors of a Cano-to-Mets trade have been circulating since Monday, when it was reported the Mariners contacted both of New York's baseball teams about the eight-time All-Star.
Negotiations between the Mets and Mariners picked up steam Thursday, with Diaz's name included in trade discussions.
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in November he was interested in "re-imagining" his club's roster.
He's already dealt James Paxton and Mike Zunino this offseason, but dealing Cano could rid the Mariners of the five years and $120 million remaining on his contract, as well as potential future money owed to Diaz. However, financial commitments to Bruce and Swarzak would likely be added to their payroll.
The 36-year-old Cano only appeared in 80 games last year after violating the league's drug policy. He hit .303/.374/.471 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Over his 14-year career, Cano's been one of the league's most durable players, averaging 148 games per season. He owns a career slash line of .304/.355/.493 with 311 home runs and 1,233 RBIs.
Diaz led MLB with 57 saves in 2018, limiting opposing hitters to a .160 average alongside a 1.96 ERA and 0.79 WHIP. The hard-throwing right-hander has 109 saves to his credit in three big-league seasons.
The 31-year-old Bruce struggled in the first year of a three-year pact he signed with the Mets in January. He hit just .223/.310/.370 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs in 94 games.
Swarzak, who was also acquired by the Mets before the beginning of last season, recorded a 6.15 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 29 appearances during an injury-plagued year.