Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz deal framework agreed upon, pending final approvals in Mariners-Mets trade

SEATTLE – The speculation can end. The last aspect of the trade framework has been agreed upon. It’s now just waiting for both teams’ medical staffs to approve the reports of the players involved and Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred to approve the financial aspect.

At some point on Monday, it will become official. The Mariners will trade Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to the Mets for a collection of five players – outfielder Jay Bruce and right-handed reliever Anthony Swarzak and three prospects: outfielder Jarred Kelenic and right-handed pitchers Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista.

This isn’t new. These pieces have been a part of the deal since rumors first broke out on Thursday afternoon. What is new to the situation is the official amount of money the Mariners will be sending to the Mets to complete the deal, helping offset some of the $120 million owed to Cano over the next five seasons. It was something that was being negotiated into Saturday evening.

Multiple reports that were later confirmed by MLB sources said the Mariners will send $20 million to the Mets as part of the package.

Much of this trade is about money: specifically, what is left on Cano’s massive 10-year, $240-million contract. It’s why Bruce, who is owed $28 million, and Swarzak, who is owed $8.5 million, are included in this deal, providing salary offset to the money still owed Cano. So essentially, if you figure their contracts into the money being sent to the Mets, the Mariners are assuming $56.5 million in salary, just under half of what Cano is still owed on his contract.