One external option to replace Robinson Cano after his hamstring injury is off the board.
Veteran infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, who had been released by the Texas Rangers on Sunday, signed with the Washington Nationals on Monday, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. This comes less than 30 minutes after it was reported by Mike Puma of The Post that the Mets were more open to signing Cabrera with Cano sidelined.
Cabrera spent 2016-18 as a Met and played second base, shortstop and third base. Known more for his hitting than his fielding, Cabrera only slashed .235/.318/.393 for the Rangers before his release, a noted decline from his .279/.339/.464 line over three years with the Mets.
However, the Mets are a little thin on bench depth right now and would have welcomed him back. Instead, Jeff McNeil figures to get most of the playing time at his natural second base, while J.D. Davis will patrol left field almost every day. Adeiny Hechavarria and Luis Guillorme are the Mets' reserve infielders. The club could also recall Dilson Herrera or Ruben Tejada, who are raking at Triple-A.
It is unknown how much time Cano will miss, but the Mets will likely have to make up for his loss internally.