In his illustrious 17-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Robinson Cano has now ventured into an exciting new chapter overseas. The eight-time MLB All-Star has become part of the ownership group for the Dubai-based professional baseball league, Baseball United. Additionally, Cano was selected sixth overall in the league’s inaugural draft last month.
At 40, Cano’s involvement in Baseball United represents not only a unique adventure but also an opportunity to contribute to the league’s growth and potentially redefine the later stages of his career. Speaking about the intense competition in baseball, Cano noted that players face challenges if they aren’t performing at a high level in their early 30s, often resorting to playing in other leagues like Mexico.
Cano, known for his remarkable achievements, including 2,600 hits, five Silver Slugger Awards, two Gold Gloves, and a World Series, experienced controversy in his final MLB years, with two PED suspensions. His 2022 season concluded with an unceremonious release after 33 games split between the Mets, Padres, and Braves.
Motivated by his own journey, Cano aims to use Baseball United to provide opportunities for other players, ensuring they have a chance to extend their careers. The league, featuring familiar names like Bartolo ColĆ³n, Didi Gregorius, and Pablo Sandoval, will not only introduce baseball to the Middle East and South Asia but also open doors for players seeking to continue their baseball journey.
The Baseball United league, with support from stakeholders like Mariano Rivera, Barry Larkin, Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, Elvis Andrus, Nick Swisher, and Ryan Howard, plans to kick off its inaugural season in November and December 2024. The league, recognizing the existing interest in baseball in the region, aims to blend tradition with innovation, targeting a young demographic in this new area of the world.
Led by President and CEO Kash Shaikh, the Baseball United team, including Cano, is committed to making the league a success. Cano appreciates the collaborative approach of the league, where ideas are shared, and the collective knowledge of experienced players contributes to shaping the league’s vision and recruitment strategies. The new league’s showcase games in Dubai this week mark the beginning of a promising chapter in international baseball.