The New York Mets have been active this offseason, making a major splash by securing Juan Soto, a top-tier free agent, with a 15-year contract worth $765 million, potentially rising to $805 million. This bold move signals the team’s commitment to contending for a World Series. However, despite this high-profile signing, the Mets’ front office recognizes that they still have much work to do to further strengthen their roster, particularly when it comes to pitching. Even with recent acquisitions, such as former New York Yankees reliever Clay Holmes, the Mets remain focused on bolstering their pitching staff to improve their chances of competing at the highest level.
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In pursuit of that goal, the Mets have made another strategic addition by signing Griffin Canning, a right-handed starting pitcher who has spent his entire major league career with the Los Angeles Angels. Canning, 28, has signed a one-year contract with the Mets valued at $4.25 million, with the possibility of earning up to $5.25 million through performance bonuses. Although Canning’s career has had its share of ups and downs, the Mets view him as a potential reclamation project with a proven ability to log innings. This signing aligns with their need to find affordable options for their pitching rotation.
Canning’s tenure with the Angels has been marked by a fluctuating performance level, but last season, he showed durability by starting 31 games and accumulating 171.2 innings. While the volume of innings pitched is valuable, Canning’s overall performance has been inconsistent. In 2024, he posted an ERA of 5.19, which was reflective of some concerning underlying numbers, including a career-low strikeout rate of 17.6%. This decline in strikeouts is particularly notable, as Canning had previously been more effective in this area, especially early in his career. However, despite these concerns, the Mets are optimistic that their coaching staff can help Canning regain his earlier form.
One of the key selling points for the Mets is Canning’s ability to eat up innings. This became even more crucial for him after he missed the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. Given the Mets’ need for reliable pitchers who can log significant innings, Canning’s durability could be a valuable asset. By consuming innings, he can help manage the workload of the Mets’ other pitchers, potentially easing the burden on their bullpen and reducing the risk of injury for other members of the rotation.
Canning’s previous seasons provide some encouraging signs as well. From 2019 to 2023, he posted respectable strikeout rates, ranging from 8.90 to 9.85 strikeouts per nine innings. In 2023, he was worth 1.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a solid contribution that underscores his potential when performing at a higher level. Given that the Mets are bringing him in on a low-risk, one-year deal, they are in a good position to see what Canning can offer without committing long-term financial resources.
While it’s clear that Canning’s performance in 2024 has been a step back, the Mets believe that with the right coaching and development, he can return to his prior form. The Mets’ pitching staff, led by their experienced coaching team, may be able to help him refine his mechanics and improve his strikeout rate, which had been one of his strongest attributes in earlier seasons. Moreover, his ability to stay healthy and pitch deep into games is something the Mets hope will add stability to their rotation.
Despite his struggles last season, Canning’s relatively low salary makes him an appealing risk for the Mets. Given that the Mets are operating under financial constraints after their huge investment in Soto, signing Canning to a relatively affordable contract allows them to balance their budget while still addressing a key need. With other roster decisions, such as the pending free agency of Sean Manaea and Pete Alonso, the Mets must be strategic with their financial commitments, and the Canning signing reflects that approach.
In terms of the Mets’ broader strategy, the signing of Canning is an example of the team’s focus on depth and versatility. While they’ve secured a superstar in Soto, they must also be mindful of their pitching staff, which remains a crucial component of their championship aspirations. The Mets’ pitching rotation needs to be strengthened if they are to compete with the league’s elite teams, and Canning, while not a marquee name, could provide valuable innings and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Ultimately, the Mets are betting on Canning’s potential to bounce back and provide them with a steady presence in the rotation. His durability and prior success suggest that with some adjustments, he could once again become an effective starter. While his 2024 campaign raised some concerns, the Mets hope that they can harness his talents and turn him into a key contributor for the upcoming season.
For now, the Mets are taking a low-risk approach with Canning, giving him a chance to prove himself while also preparing for the financial obligations of other impending roster moves. If he can return to his pre-2024 form and improve upon his strikeout rate, Canning could become an unexpected but valuable asset for the Mets as they pursue their goal of reaching the World Series.
