Robinson Cano, a Dominican-born second baseman, became a well-known figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) through his impressive skills and consistent performance on the field. Born on October 22, 1982, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Cano was named after the legendary Jackie Robinson, which foreshadowed his future in baseball. His journey to the major leagues began when he signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2001.
Cano made his MLB debut with the Yankees on May 3, 2005. Quickly establishing himself as a reliable player, he finished his rookie season with a .297 batting average, 14 home runs, and 62 RBIs. His performance earned him a second-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Over the next few years, Cano continued to develop his skills, becoming one of the league's top hitters. His smooth swing and ability to hit for both average and power made him a valuable asset to the Yankees' lineup.
In 2006, Cano's batting average soared to .342, earning him his first Silver Slugger Award. He continued to excel in subsequent seasons, consistently hitting over .300 and providing solid defense at second base. Cano's efforts were instrumental in helping the Yankees secure the 2009 World Series title, their first since 2000. During the postseason, he contributed with timely hitting and steady defense, further cementing his reputation as a reliable performer in crucial moments.
Cano's tenure with the Yankees was marked by numerous accolades, including five All-Star selections and four Silver Slugger Awards. In 2013, he became a free agent and signed a lucrative 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. This move was one of the most significant free-agent signings in MLB history at the time. Cano continued to deliver strong performances with the Mariners, maintaining a high batting average and providing leadership to a team seeking to return to playoff contention.
During his time in Seattle, Cano was selected to three more All-Star games and won another Silver Slugger Award in 2016. However, his career faced a setback in 2018 when he received an 80-game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy. Despite this, Cano returned to the field and continued to contribute to his team's efforts.
In December 2018, Cano was traded to the New York Mets, where he aimed to revitalize his career. His time with the Mets was marked by ups and downs, including another suspension in 2020 for a second violation of the league's drug policy, which sidelined him for the entire 2021 season. Despite these challenges, Cano's career statistics reflect his talent and ability. Over his career, he amassed over 2,600 hits, 330 home runs, and maintained a batting average above .300.
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