Mariano Rivera criticizes Robinson Cano’s desire in new book

When it comes time to arrange the 2025 New York Yankees’ old-timers’ game, make sure you keep Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano on opposite sides of the locker room.

In his book “The Closer,” Rivera, the legendary closer who retired after last season, take a shot at Cano, his former teammate who is currently playing for Seattle:

“This guy has so much talent I don’t know where to start. There is no doubt that he is a Hall-of-Fame caliber player. It’s just a question of whether he finds the drive you need to get there. I don’t think Robby burns to be the best. You don’t see that red-hot passion in him that you see in most elite players.”

So, basically what he is saying is “Yeah, Cano is a good player, but he has no desire.”

Not a good thing to say about a former teammate. In fact, when asked to pick his favorite second baseman, Rivera turns to the arch-rival Boston Red Sox:

“Dustin Pedroia is at the top of the list. Nobody plays harder, gives more, wants to win more. He comes at you hard for twenty-seven outs. It’s a special thing to see.”