Mets: Robinson Cano may not like it but he’ll need to learn to love the DH role

Robinson Cano is not comfortable with the DH role with the New York Mets but he’ll need to learn to love it.

Lost in what was an exciting end to the week with the Steve Cohen news and a doubleheader sweep of the New York Yankees in the Bronx, there was a bit of New York Mets news that caught my eye. It involves second baseman Robinson Cano, the aging infielder who may have a few more productive years left in him if he transitions to the DH role full-time.

The addition of the DH in 2020 helped out the Mets immensely. Before Yoenis Cespedes opted-out, they had a place to insert him. Following his departure from the team, they have been able to mix and match many different lineups and take advantage of the extra bat each game.

Lately, Cano has been the DH. Unfortunately, the transition hasn’t been so easy for his comfort level.

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Cano expressed how he hasn’t gotten used to it yet which is a fair enough statement on his behalf. However, if Cano wants regular at-bats through the rest of his career, he’s going to have to take some advice from Ric Flair and learn to love it.

I’m already thinking about what the Mets lineup will look like in 2021. Moving Cano to the DH spot seems to make the most sense.

The team can then move Jeff McNeil to second base, place J.D. Davis at third base, and see how things go with Dominic Smith out in left field.

Cano does have a pair of Gold Gloves to his name but that ship sailed a long time ago. Now 37, it’s important he shifts into a lesser role if only to get more from his bat.

Just as Hans Gruber didn’t bring Theo to Nakatomi Plaza for his charming personality, the Mets didn’t bring Cano to Flushing for his glove. He’s here to hit. In 2020, he has done a great job in this area.

Cano is on the books for three more years after 2020. If the DH spot is available, it’s something Cano will need to expect is in his future a whole lot more. It’s the nursing home for Major League Baseball players that can still hit. It extends careers and there’s no shame in it.

Cano has yet to whine or complain about becoming the DH. He’s just being honest and there’s nothing wrong with it. We’ve all been placed in uncomfortable and unfamiliar spots at our jobs. I used to have to put hashtags on Facebook posts at one of mine despite the fact that no one on Facebook looks at hashtags.

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I’m sure if this becomes the only way to get his bat in the lineup he’ll accept his fate and thank Luis Rojas later. Cano can do a lot more as a one-way player concentrating on what made him a star in the first place, his awesome bat.