In a significant move to bolster their pitching staff, the New York Mets have reached an agreement with right-hander Griffin Canning on a one-year contract worth $4.25 million, which remains subject to a medical evaluation, as revealed by sources close to the situation. This agreement includes an additional $1 million tied to potential performance-based bonuses, emphasizing the Mets’ motivation to enhance their starting rotation for the upcoming season.
Griffin Canning, now 28 years old, has seen a diverse career trajectory since his MLB debut. Over his five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, he amassed a career 4.78 earned run average (ERA). Most recently, Canning faced challenges during the 2024 season where, despite logging a personal-best 31 starts and pitching over 171 innings, he finished the year with a 6-13 record and a 5.19 ERA. Unfortunately for Canning, he led the American League in earned runs allowed, which critiques his consistency, particularly as he navigated a tumultuous season with a last-place Angels team.
Historically, Canning’s potential was highlighted during the 2020 season when he managed to post a respectable 3.99 ERA across 11 starts, even earning a Gold Glove award for his fielding acumen. However, it remains critical to analyze whether his strong showing in a shortened season can be consistently replicated. Factors such as injuries and team performance have frequently influenced his statistics, which further adds layers of uncertainty for his future contributions.
The addition of Canning marks the third significant acquisition for the Mets this offseason, following the signings of Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. Montas’s two-year deal worth $34 million, which includes an opt-out option after the first season, paired with Holmes’s three-year contract at $38 million, reflects the Mets’ aggressive approach to solidify their pitching roster. This strategic investment underscores their ambition to remain competitive in the ever-challenging National League landscape.
Canning’s role within this reshuffled rotation will be pivotal as the Mets explore their available options stemming from last season’s performance. Following the departure of Luis Severino to the Athletics and the uncertainty surrounding other starters like Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana, Canning’s success will directly impact the stability and performance of the Mets during the upcoming season.
As Griffin Canning transitions into his new role with the Mets, the bar will be set high both by the organization and fans eager for improvement. The expectation is clear: he must elevate his performance and consistency to surpass the toll that injuries and inconsistency have taken throughout his career thus far. For the Mets, a fruitful season from Canning could not only validate their investment but also serve as a crucial stepping stone toward reclaiming relevance in postseason discussions. With upcoming challenges and competition for starting spots, Canning will need to prove that he can rise to the occasion and contribute positively to a Mets rotation that is aiming for the stars.