The New York Mets, fresh off signing outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million contract, have bolstered their starting pitching depth with the addition of right-hander Griffin Canning. Canning, a former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels, agreed to a one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Mets, pending a physical. The contract also includes the potential for Canning to earn an additional $1 million in bonuses. While not as headline-grabbing as the Soto signing, Canning’s acquisition addresses a crucial area of need for the Mets, who saw several pitchers depart via free agency after their National League Championship Series appearance in 2024.
Canning’s career has been marked by flashes of potential interspersed with periods of inconsistency and injury. He debuted with the Angels in 2019, showing promise despite being limited by injuries. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he posted a career-best 3.99 ERA and even earned a Gold Glove Award. However, subsequent seasons saw him struggle with performance and a back injury that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. His 2024 season with the Angels resulted in a 6-13 record and a 5.19 ERA. Following the season, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, who promptly non-tendered him, making him a free agent.
For the Mets, Canning represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition. His past performance suggests he has the capability to be a valuable contributor to a major league rotation, but his inconsistency and injury history make him something of an unknown quantity. The Mets are betting that a change of scenery, coupled with the opportunity to compete for a championship-caliber team, will help Canning unlock his full potential. His relatively young age of 28 also provides the Mets with a potential long-term asset should he perform well.
The Mets’ starting rotation entering the 2025 season features a mix of established veterans and younger arms with upside. Kodai Senga, their ace when healthy, will look to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024 season. David Peterson, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, will aim to build upon his newfound success. Paul Blackburn, acquired at the trade deadline in the previous season, provides additional stability. Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, both free agent signings, add further depth to the rotation, with Holmes transitioning from a successful career as a reliever.
Canning’s arrival provides the Mets with valuable insurance in case of injuries or underperformance from other members of the rotation. He also adds youth to a group that is otherwise comprised of mostly veteran pitchers. His ability to pitch deep into games, demonstrated by his increasing innings totals in recent seasons, could prove particularly valuable for the Mets, especially in the pitcher-friendly confines of Citi Field.
The Mets’ pursuit of Canning reflects their commitment to building a deep and talented roster capable of competing for a World Series title. While the Soto signing garnered the most attention, the addition of Canning represents a shrewd move that addresses a key area of need. The Mets are hoping that Canning can recapture the form he displayed earlier in his career and become a valuable contributor to their championship aspirations. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but the Mets are clearly leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a title.
