A couple of days ago we provided our first trade profile of the 2023 season on Tommy Pham. Now it’s time to turn to the next player most likely to be traded if the Mets decide to swing that way: Mark Canha.
Position: Outfielder/1B/3B
Bats/Throws: R/R
Age: 34 (February 15, 1989)
2023 Stats: 266 PA, .244/.346./.396, 55 H, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 28 BB, 46 K
2023 Advanced Stats: 111 wRC+, 17.3% K, 10.5% BB, .277 BABIP, .327 xwOBA, 0.6 WAR
RUNDOWN
Once again, all signs right now point to the Mets being sellers come August 1, or at least selling off players whose contracts are due up at the end of the season like Pham and Canha. Canha has a $2 million buyout or $11.5 million team option for the 2024 season, something the Mets can choose to eat if they sell.
Last year in Queens, Canha was expected to put big power numbers up, but instead began his season producing mostly only singles. The extra-base hits soon followed mid-season and he was continuously provided offensive sparks in critical games that sent the Mets to the Wild Card game series. The former Athletic has gotten off to a rockier start this year, which has led to a loss in playing time to the red-hot Pham, which ultimately has hurt his numbers. However, everyone around the block knows these stats are due to his circumstances and are not indicative of the player Canha truly is.
When he has played though, Canha has been productive in spots, whether it’s being brought in off the bench as a pinch-hitter or swapped in the field for an injured player. His defensive versatility is one of his greatest assets as a player. He’s played everywhere this season from both corners of the outfield and infield to spending time as a DH. He’s been able to play center field as well and has looked comfortable anywhere he’s put.
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS
1. Seattle Mariners
Canha might be an answer for a team that’s been struggling to stay in the Wild Card race. He’s proven himself to be an impact bat off the bench and could provide an extra spark for a team needing a breakthrough for a reasonable price. The Mariners will surely be in the mix for Canha, and according to a tweet from ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Mariners tried to lock him up in free agency before the Mets did a couple of seasons ago.
2. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are in need of a right-handed corner bat and an outfielder that is known to boast defensive versatility, two categories that Canha fits. For a team struggling to stay in first, Canha can provide the flexibility to play where needed and when needed and make an immediate impact.
3. Chicago White Sox
This is a fascinating scenario because the Mets don’t necessarily need to be buyers OR sellers to play ball with the South Side. The White Sox find themselves in an AL Central that’s constantly in flux and the Twins, who are 51-48, are in first place. However, they still stand to be sellers. Canha can be included in a package for something of value to the Mets regardless of their deadline status and in return, Chicago gets an extra spark to an otherwise puzzling team.
