Mark Canha: Jacob DeGrom Wants to Stay With Mets

Veteran outfielder Mark Canha has given all New York Mets fans some good news on a Friday by revealing that Jacob deGrom would like to remain in Queens beyond the 2022 season.

Speaking in an in-depth interview with Mike Puma of the New York Post, Canha gave an update on deGrom’s potential future with free agency looming, in addition to speaking about his own future and his relationship with manager Buck Showalter. Canha’s revelation about deGrom’s preference to remain a Met will be the headline grabber obviously, and that is where we begin…

Canha on DeGrom’s Future

The juiciest nugget to emerge from Canha’s interview with the Post was his thoughts on whether not deGrom will remain at Citi Field or sign elsewhere in Free Agency. The two-time Cy Young Award winner will opt out of his current deal in order to test the open market, and there will be a lot of teams very interested in making a serious run at one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.

With the Atlanta Braves routinely mentioned as heavy favorites in the deGrom sweepstakes, you can’t blame Mets fans for being a little concerned about what may unfold this upcoming winter when it comes to a player who has grown and thrived with the organization. However, Canha has spoken directly to deGrom and it appears as though the righty is in no rush to leave the only team he’s ever called home.

“Jake told me he wants to come back, too, and he really likes it here,” Canha said. “I think Jake and Max (Scherzer) and (Chris) Bassitt have a really good friendship they have developed over this year and good professional relationship, too. I’m hopeful for Jake, but (Edwin) Diaz and (Brandon) Nimmo, I have no idea where they’re at.”

While it was reported by Andy Martino of SNY earlier this week that the Mets are making Diaz and Nimmo their top priorities among internal free agents, Canha’s comments certainly provide a ray of hope because, if deGrom’s preference is to remain in Queens, then that certainly makes it easier for a deal to get done because owner Steve Cohen certainly has the money to give his ace pitcher what he wants financially.

Also, Canha spoke about the potential of Chris Bassitt returning for another year with the Mets. Bassitt posted a 3.42 ERA with a 15-9 record and 167 strikeouts in 181.2 innings pitched, forming one part of a lethal three-headed rotation at the top of the rotation with deGrom and Max Scherzer. And, having been teammates with Bassitt in Oakland with the A’s, Canha is well-versed to provide insight into the pitcher’s thinking heading into free agency.

“I think Bassitt will be back,” Canha said. “I’m not sure, but I think he really likes New York. And I think he likes the team. I think he likes the guys a lot. We’re so kind of pumped to be in the situation where we are… I think we both felt like we had a chance to win a World Series (in New York), so I think he really values that and being around the caliber of talent we have on the pitching staff. And I think he realizes that’s special, and I would like to believe he would want to run it back and do it again.”

Canha Enjoyed First Year in Queens

Canha was signed to a two-year, $26,500,000 contract last winter by the Mets and he enjoyed a solid first year at Citi Field, bringing a different dimension to the middle of the lineup. While not a headline grabber like a Pete Alonso or a Francisco Lindor, Canha provided everyday value with a career-high .367 OBP and his 28 HBP’s led the majors.

He hit .266/.367/.403/.770 on the year and with a 17.9 k%, which was the lowest of his career to date, Canha proved to be a tough out and he was exactly what the Mets needed. A leader on the diamond and in the clubhouse, the eight-year veteran was an on-base machine while also proving hugely popular with his teammates. With one year left on his current deal, Canha has not been shy in letting it be known that he now wants to finish his career in Queens.

“I loved it,” Canha said. “It was everything I could’ve hoped for and more, and it was amazing. Everything, from playing to New York and the fans and the limelight. Not just that, but also where the organization was is really cool. I didn’t really know what it was like before, but I heard some things. And it’s an organization that’s trying to turn over a new leaf, and that was great to be a part of and for me and my family in every way.

“I think it helps that I played well and did a decent job, but I don’t want to play anywhere else. If I could finish my career with the Mets, it would be ideal because I love it so much. It’s kind of revitalized my passion for the game, actually.”

You need guys like Canha in the lineup on an everyday basis and his ability to get on base, hit in clutch situations, grind down the opposing pitcher and also provide solid defense out in the field will continue to be important for this team going forward.

Buck Showalter Impresses 

There was no doubt that one of the biggest factors behind the Mets winning over 100 games in 2022 was the arrival of the vastly experienced Buck Showalter in the dugout. The longtime manager proved to be just what this franchise needed, and his calm persona and wealth of experience laid the foundations for what was an incredible year.

Showalter’s ability to get total buy-in from his players allowed the likes of Alonso, Lindor, Diaz and Jeff McNeil to all have career years and, having benefited from the Showalter effect himself, Canha was full of praise for his manager.

“You can’t ask for anything more from a manager,” Canha said. “He’s the same guy every day. He just does such a good job. He has the experience, but he really understands you have to be methodical to really keep everybody pulling in the same direction. He’s just so consistent with who he is and the attention to detail with the game. The things he thinks about on a regular basis and shares with you when you’re in the dugout or preparing for the game, it feels new, which is kind of crazy to say, but I think about that all the time. I’m still learning at 33 after my professional career has been happening for 10 years. He’s an educator, and it’s fun to learn.”