History of Robinson Canó in Timeline

Robinson Canó is a Dominican-American professional baseball player. He is currently a second baseman for the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League and captains the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Professional Baseball League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams including the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves.

1961: Historical Context: Bobby Richardson's Gold Glove Reign

This year marked the beginning of Bobby Richardson's five-year streak of winning the Gold Glove Award for second basemen, a feat that would later be compared to Robinson Canó's own defensive prowess.

1965: End of an Era: Richardson's Final Gold Glove

This year marked the end of Bobby Richardson's impressive five-year streak of winning the Gold Glove Award for second basemen, setting a high standard for future Yankee second basemen, including Robinson Canó.

1980: José Canó Signs with the Yankees

Robinson Canó's father, José Canó, signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1980.

October 22, 1982: Birth of Robinson Canó

On October 22, 1982, Robinson José Canó Mercedes was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic.

1989: José Canó's MLB Debut

José Canó, Robinson Canó's father, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros in 1989.

January 5, 2001: Canó Signs with the Yankees

Robinson Canó officially joined the New York Yankees organization on January 5, 2001, signing as an amateur free agent with a bonus exceeding $100,000.

2001: Canó Begins His Professional Baseball Journey

Robinson Canó's journey in professional baseball began in 2001 when he signed with the New York Yankees organization as an amateur free agent.

2002: Progress in the Minor Leagues

Robinson Canó continued to hone his skills in the minor leagues in 2002, playing for the Staten Island Yankees and the Greensboro Bats.

2003: Rising Through the Ranks

By 2003, Robinson Canó had established himself as a top prospect while playing for the Tampa Yankees and Trenton Thunder. He also showcased his talent in the All-Star Futures Game.

2004: Moving Up and Trade Talks

Robinson Canó started 2004 with Trenton before being promoted to the Columbus Clippers. The Yankees explored trading him, first to the Kansas City Royals for Carlos Beltrán and later to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Randy Johnson.

2004: Almost a Texas Ranger

Robinson Canó was nearly traded to the Texas Rangers in 2004 as part of a proposed deal for Alex Rodriguez, but the Rangers ultimately chose Joaquín Árias.

May 3, 2005: MLB Debut and Early Success

Robinson Canó received his call-up to the major leagues on May 3, 2005, after an impressive .330 batting average with Columbus. He quickly made an impact, getting his first hit off Hideo Nomo and even hitting his first grand slam. Despite a strong finish, he came in second to Huston Street in the Rookie of the Year voting.

2005: Near Cycle Miss

In 2005, Canó came close to hitting for the cycle, a rare feat in baseball, but fell short by a single. This event foreshadowed a similar near-miss later in his career.

2005: Starting the Year in Columbus

Robinson Canó began the 2005 season with the Columbus Clippers.

2005: Canó Makes His MLB Debut

Robinson Canó made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees in 2005.

August 8, 2006: Return from Injury and Leading the League

Upon returning from a hamstring injury on August 8, 2006, Robinson Canó surged to the top of the league in batting average, doubles, and runs batted in.

September 2006: Player of the Month Award

Robinson Canó's exceptional performance in September 2006 earned him the American League Player of the Month award.

2006: A Year of Offensive Prowess

Robinson Canó concluded the 2006 season with the third-highest batting average in the American League (.342). He also stood out as the league leader in road batting average (.364) and batting average after the sixth inning (.353).

2006: Consistency in Doubles

Robinson Canó proved his consistency by ranking among the top 10 in doubles in the American League in both 2006 and 2007.

2007: A Tribute to Jackie Robinson and a Strong Finish

In 2007, Robinson Canó switched his jersey number to 24 as a tribute to Jackie Robinson. After a slow start, he bounced back with a stellar .385 batting average in July, finishing the year with impressive numbers across various offensive categories.

2007: Durability and Pinch-Hitting Prowess

Robinson Canó's durability was evident in the 2007 and 2008 seasons, during which he missed only five games combined. He also demonstrated his versatility by being one of only three Yankees players to hit a home run as a pinch hitter.

January 24, 2008: Contract Extension with the Yankees

Robinson Canó secured a four-year contract extension with the New York Yankees on January 24, 2008, worth $28 million. The deal covered the 2008 to 2011 seasons and included options for the Yankees for 2012 and 2013.

September 20, 2008: Last Walk-Off Hit at Yankee Stadium

Robinson Canó etched his name in Yankee Stadium history by hitting the final walk-off hit in the old stadium. He achieved this feat with a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles.

September 21, 2008: Final RBI at Yankee Stadium

In the last game at the old Yankee Stadium, Robinson Canó had the honor of driving in the stadium's final run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.

2008: Overcoming Early Season Struggles

Robinson Canó faced difficulties at the plate early in the 2008 season, hitting just .151 in April. However, he rebounded strongly, maintaining a .300 average from May to August.

2009: Home Run Derby Drought

Brandon Inge's participation in the 2009 Home Run Derby ended with him failing to hit a single home run, marking the last time a player had gone homerless in the competition until Robinson Canó's unsuccessful appearance in 2012.

2009: League-Leading Performance and World Series Victory

Canó's 204 hits not only placed him third in the league but also first among all second basemen in 2009. His impressive performance extended to fielding, as he boasted the highest fielding percentage among second basemen. He played a crucial role in the Yankees' World Series victory.

2009: Breakout Season with the Yankees

In 2009, Robinson Canó had a breakout year, hitting .320 with 204 hits, 25 home runs, and 85 RBIs. His performance placed him among the American League's top ten players in various offensive categories.

2009: Wins World Series and World Baseball Classic

Robinson Canó became one of the first players to win both a World Series and a World Baseball Classic, achieving the feat in 2009 with the New York Yankees and the Dominican Republic, respectively.

2009: First World Baseball Classic Appearance

Robinson Canó made his first appearance for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in 2009.

2009: World Series Champion

Robinson Canó, as part of the New York Yankees, won the 2009 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

April 2010: All-Star Recognition and Consistent Performance

Canó's exceptional start to the 2010 season earned him the American League Player of the Month award for April. His consistent performance throughout the season led to his selection as the starting second baseman in the All-Star Game and earned him a spot in the Home Run Derby, although he withdrew due to a minor injury. He finished the season with an impressive 200 hits and over 100 RBIs.

2010: Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards

Canó's exceptional fielding in 2010, with a .996 fielding percentage, earned him the American League Gold Glove Award for second basemen. This marked the first time a Yankee second baseman had won the award since Bobby Richardson's consecutive wins from 1961 to 1965. His offensive contributions, including a .319 batting average, 29 home runs, and 109 RBIs, were recognized with the American League Silver Slugger Award for second basemen.

2010: Defensive Struggles Emerge

Despite his Gold Glove-winning performance in 2010, Canó experienced a decline in his defensive performance during the first half of the following season. By July, he had already committed double the number of errors he made throughout the entire 2010 season.

2011: Another Near Cycle and Strong Season Finish

Canó narrowly missed hitting for the cycle for the second time in his career, this time falling short by a single during a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Despite this near miss, he concluded the 2011 season with impressive stats: 188 hits, 28 home runs, and a career-high 118 RBIs in 159 games.

2011: Grand Slam in ALDS Loss

Canó showcased his power-hitting ability in Game 1 of the 2011 AL Division Series with a grand slam. This impressive hit was his fourth grand slam of the year, including both regular and postseason play. Despite his strong individual performance, the Yankees ultimately lost the series to the Detroit Tigers.

2011: All-Star Selection and Home Run Derby Champion

Canó's strong performance earned him a starting position as second baseman in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game. He also participated in the Home Run Derby, where he emerged victorious, setting a new record for home runs in the final round.

2011: Home Run Derby Champion

Robinson Canó emerged victorious in the 2011 Home Run Derby.

2011: Contract Extension with the Yankees

July 20, 2012: Hitting Streak and Strong Season Finish

Canó extended his hitting streak to an impressive 23 games with a single in a game against the Oakland Athletics. He finished the 2012 season on a high note, maintaining a .313 batting average with 48 doubles, 33 home runs, and 94 RBI.

November 13, 2012: Becomes US Citizen

Robinson Canó became a naturalized citizen of the United States on November 13, 2012.

2012: Home Run Surge and Derby Disappointment

Canó's 2012 season saw a slow start in home runs, but he quickly rebounded with seven in May and a career-high 11 in June. Despite his strong performance leading up to the Home Run Derby, he failed to hit a single home run in the competition, facing criticism from fans for not selecting a local Kansas City Royals player as he had hinted he might.

2012: Postseason Struggles Continue

Despite his strong regular season performance, Canó struggled throughout the 2012 postseason. His batting average plummeted, culminating in a 29 at-bat hitless streak, the longest in MLB postseason history. The Yankees were ultimately swept by the Detroit Tigers, marking another disappointing postseason for Canó.

2012: Contract Extension with the Yankees

April 13, 2013: First Appearance at Shortstop and All-Star Injury

Canó showcased his versatility by making his first-ever appearance at shortstop. He was named the American League captain for the Home Run Derby and was selected for the All-Star Game, but his participation was cut short due to an injury from a hit-by-pitch.

December 2013: Signing with the Mariners

Canó made a significant career move by signing a lucrative 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, leaving the Yankees after they offered a shorter, less valuable contract.

2013: 200th Home Run and Consistent Production

Canó achieved a significant career milestone by hitting his 200th home run. He continued to be a consistent run producer for the Yankees, finishing the season with a .314 batting average, 190 hits, 27 home runs, and 107 RBI in 160 games.

2013: World Baseball Classic Triumph

Robinson Canó achieved a significant milestone in 2013 by winning the World Baseball Classic (WBC) with the Dominican Republic team. He was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2013: Second World Baseball Classic Appearance

Robinson Canó participated in his second World Baseball Classic, representing the Dominican Republic in 2013.

2013: Contract Extension with the Yankees

2013: Dominican Republic's Winning Streak Ends

The Dominican Republic's 11-game winning streak in the World Baseball Classic, dating back to 2013, ended with a loss to Puerto Rico in 2017.

2013: Yankees Exercise Contract Option

The New York Yankees exercised their club option on Canó's contract for the 2013 season, securing his services for another year at a salary of $15 million and delaying his entry into free agency.

2014: Solid Debut Season with Seattle

Canó made a solid start with his new team, the Seattle Mariners, recording his first hit and RBI early in the season. His performance earned him his sixth All-Star selection and fifth consecutive selection. However, his season was hampered by health issues, as he suffered from gastrointestinal problems later diagnosed as an intestinal parasite.

2014: Injury in Japan All-Star Series

Canó's participation in the 2014 Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series, representing MLB All-Stars against Nippon Professional Baseball All-Stars, ended with a toe fracture, sidelining him for several weeks.

2014: Canó's Tenure with the Mariners Begins

Robinson Canó's time playing for the Seattle Mariners began in 2014.

2015: Health Challenges and Missed All-Star Game

Canó's performance in 2015 was affected by lingering health issues stemming from the treatment for his previous parasite infection. He experienced acid reflux throughout the season, which impacted his performance and led to him missing the All-Star Game for the first time in six years. Despite these challenges, he still managed to hit .287 with 21 home runs and 79 RBIs but underwent surgery for a sports hernia after the season.

2015: Opens Montessori School

Demonstrating his commitment to giving back, Robinson Canó opened a Montessori school in his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris in 2015.

May 7, 2016: 250th Career Home Run

On May 7, 2016, Robinson Canó hit his 250th career home run, becoming one of only three second basemen to achieve this milestone within their first 12 years in Major League Baseball.

May 16, 2017: First DL Stint with Mariners

On May 16, 2017, Robinson Canó was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right quadriceps strain, marking only the second time in his career he had been on the DL.

2017: Third World Baseball Classic Appearance

Robinson Canó represented the Dominican Republic for the third time in the World Baseball Classic in 2017.

2017: Captain of Dominican Republic Team

Robinson Canó served as the captain for the Dominican Republic team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

2017: All-Star Game MVP

Robinson Canó was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2017 All-Star Game.

April 18, 2018: Surpasses Hornsby in Home Runs

Robinson Canó hit his 302nd career home run on April 18, 2018, surpassing Rogers Hornsby for second place all-time among second basemen in Major League Baseball history.

2018: Trade to the Mets

In 2018, Robinson Canó was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the New York Mets.

2018: Suspension for Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Robinson Canó was suspended from MLB for 80 games in 2018 for violating the league's joint drug agreement by using furosemide.

July 23, 2019: First Three-Home Run Game

On July 23, 2019, Robinson Canó had his first career three-home run game, driving in all five runs for the New York Mets against the San Diego Padres.

2019: Career-Low Batting Average

In 2019, Robinson Canó recorded a career-low batting average of .256, along with 13 home runs and a career-low 39 RBIs.

November 18, 2020: Suspended for PED Use

On November 18, 2020, Robinson Canó received a 162-game suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol, violating MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy and making him ineligible for the entire 2021 season. This marked his second positive PED test.

2020: Rebound Season

Robinson Canó experienced a rebound season in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, posting his best offensive numbers since leaving the New York Yankees in terms of OPS+ and wRC+.

2021: Plays in Caribbean Series

Following the 2020 MLB season, Canó participated in the 2021 Caribbean Series, representing his home country, the Dominican Republic.

2021: Suspension for Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Robinson Canó faced a suspension for the entire 2021 MLB season after testing positive for stanozolol.

2021: Missed Season Due to Suspension

Robinson Canó missed the entire 2021 MLB season while serving a suspension for his second positive PED test.

May 13, 2022: Signs with San Diego Padres

On May 13, 2022, Robinson Canó signed a major league contract with the San Diego Padres.

July 10, 2022: Traded to Atlanta Braves

The San Diego Padres traded Robinson Canó to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations on July 10, 2022.

2022: Returns to Mets and Subsequent Release

Robinson Canó returned to the New York Mets in 2022 but was designated for assignment on May 2 after a slow start to the season. He was later released on May 8, becoming a free agent.