Mexico City — Robinson Cano has signaled that his long playing career may be nearing its end. The 42-year-old former New York Yankees second baseman announced he will not return to the Mexican League next season, even after helping the Diablos Rojos del Mexico win back-to-back championships.
For Robinson Cano, the move carries significant weight. The Dominican native spent 17 seasons in Major League Baseball and continued playing internationally after his last big-league appearance in 2022. His decision to step away from Liga Mexicana de Beisbol is viewed as a sign that retirement could be next.
“Cano announced that he would not be returning to the league next season,” following the Diablos Rojos’ latest championship win. The statement came after another productive year, where he showed that despite his age, he could still dominate at the plate.
Stellar Mexican League performance raises questions
The timing of Robinson Cano’s announcement raised eyebrows given how dominant he was in 2024. He won the Mexican League MVP Award, hitting .431 while collecting 141 hits in 327 at-bats. He led the league in hits and carried the Diablos Rojos to another title.
His numbers included 14 home runs and 77 RBIs. They echoed the consistency that made him an eight-time All-Star during his MLB career. The championship gave the Diablos Rojos consecutive crowns, with Cano serving as a driving force in both.
In 2025, he has .376 average with 14 home runs, 86 RBIs, and an OPS of .999. Despite the statistics, his choice not to return appears rooted in personal reasons rather than performance. Observers believe it is a signal that Cano is preparing to bring his career to a close.
Career milestone reached as retirement looms
Cano added another highlight to his long career during his Mexican League season. He recorded his 4,000th career hit across all professional leagues. That total includes his time in Major League Baseball, the Dominican Winter League, and Mexico.
The milestone builds on his already remarkable resume. Cano finished his MLB career with 2,624 hits, ranking among the most productive second basemen in history. His 335 home runs are the second-most ever by a player at his position, trailing only Jeff Kent’s 377.
Dominican Winter League provides potential final stage
Cano has not ruled out continuing in the Dominican Winter League with the Estrellas Orientales. “Cano could once again play in the Dominican Winter League for the Estrellas Orientales and call it a career after one final season in his home country’s winter league.”
Closing his career in the Dominican Republic would be fitting. Cano was born in San Pedro de Macorís, a city that has produced dozens of major league players. Returning there would allow him to finish his journey where it began.
Reports show he is still swinging the bat well. Cano is hitting .353 this season in the Dominican Winter League, proving he can still produce at the plate even as speculation grows about his retirement.
Special recognition planned at Citi Field
Cano is set to be honored later this year in New York. He is set to be honored during an All-Star Game between stars of the Dominican Winter League and Puerto Rican Winter League on Nov. 15 at Citi Field.
The setting carries meaning. Cano played for the Mets from 2019 to 2022, the final stop of his MLB career. The event will highlight his contributions across two decades in professional baseball.
Cano’s career includes a World Series championship with the Yankees in 2009, along with five Silver Slugger Awards. His time in New York from 2005 to 2013 established him as one of the best second basemen of his era.
Yankees legacy remains strongest connection
Cano’s nine seasons in pinstripes remain the foundation of his career. He was a five-time All-Star with the team, a four-time Silver Slugger and a two-time Gold Glover. His production helped lead the Yankees to their last World Series championship in 2009.
In 2013, Cano left New York for a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Seattle Mariners, at the time one of the largest contracts in baseball history. He continued to play at an All-Star level in Seattle before later stints with the Mets, Padres, and Braves.
Cano retired from MLB with 1,306 RBIs, ranking fourth all-time among second basemen. Combined with his hitting and defense, those numbers solidified his standing as one of the most complete players at the position in the 2000s and 2010s.
International leagues extended productive career
Since leaving the majors, Cano has enjoyed success overseas. His MVP campaign in Mexico showed how experience and skill can still produce results, even against younger competition.
For the Diablos Rojos, his value extended beyond the numbers. His leadership and championship background influenced the clubhouse, helping the team capture consecutive titles. His decision not to return removes one of the Mexican League’s most recognizable stars.
The league has long been a destination for former MLB players looking to extend their careers or attempt comebacks. Cano, however, seems content to close this chapter on his terms.
As retirement draws near, Cano’s career is already defined by accomplishments across MLB and international leagues. Whether he plays one final winter season in the Dominican Republic or chooses to step away now, his legacy as one of the most decorated second basemen of the last two decades is secure.
What do you think?
Didn’t Cano have a cup of coffee with the Padres and maybe the Braves too AFTER the Mets?