Reports: Mariners, Mets finish off seven-player blockbuster trade

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Monday, December 3, 2018

A blockbuster trade that gained momentum throughout the week has been completed, as the Seattle Mariners have agreed to deal All-Star closerEdwin Diaz and veteran second baseman Robinson Cano to the New York Mets, according to multiple reports.

In return, the Mariners reportedly will receive veteran right fielder Jay Bruce and several prospects -- right-handed pitcher Justin Dunn, a first-rounder in 2016; outfielder Jarred Kelenic, the sixth overall pick in 2018; right-handed reliever Anthony Swarzak and right-handed pitcher Gerson Bautista.

The Mariners also are sending $20 million to New York.

The trade is contingent upon the players passing their physical exams. The deal could be announced as soon as Monday

Cano, 36, has five years, $120 million remaining on the 10-year, $240million contract he signed with Seattle in December 2013, when current Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen served as his agent, along with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.

Cano, who starred for the Yankees from 2005 to 2013,reportedly was happy to return to New York and waived his no-trade clause for the deal to be completed.

The eight-time All-Star was suspended for 80 games last season for PEDs. Cano hit .303 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 80 games.

Diaz, 24, is the prize in the deal. Armed with a 100 mph fastball, he had a 1.96 ERA and led the majors with 57 saves last season -- tied with Bobby Thigpen (1990) for the second-most in a single season in baseball history, trailing only Francisco Rodriguez's 62 in 2008.

Diaz also comes to New York cheaply.

He made just $571,000 in 2018, isn't eligible for arbitration until 2020 and won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2022 season.

Seattle, which finished 89-73 this past season, has since decided to go into rebuilding mode, having already traded ace James Paxton to the Yankees.

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