Griffin Canning has recently inked a one-year deal worth $4.25 million with the New York Mets, enhancing their restructured pitching rotation.
The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher has the opportunity to earn an additional $1 million through performance incentives tied to the number of games started, with bonuses of $250,000 for reaching 22, 25, 28, and 31 starts, in addition to a $25,000 bonus for securing a Gold Glove award.
Canning experienced a challenging 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels, finishing with a record of 6-13 and a 5.19 ERA. Following the season, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Jorge Soler, a designated hitter and outfielder, on October 31. However, the Braves opted to cut him shortly thereafter, making him a free agent as they chose not to extend him a 2025 contract despite his eligibility for arbitration.
Throughout his career spanning five seasons, Canning has recorded a 25-34 win-loss record with an average ERA of 4.78 across 94 starts and five appearances in relief, all while playing for the Angels. In 2020, he received a Gold Glove award but was sidelined for the entire 2022 season due to a back injury.
Last season marked a significant achievement for Canning as he pitched for a personal best of 171 and 2/3 innings, participating in 31 starts and one relief appearance while the Angels concluded their campaign last in the American League West with a 63-99 record. Unfortunately, he also set career highs in both home runs (31) and walks (66) allowed.
The Mets are expected to have a pitching rotation featuring Kodai Senga and David Peterson, along with newcomers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. Canning will compete with Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Buttó for spots in the rotation.
This past season, the Mets made a surprising journey to the National League Championship Series. However, they lost three veteran starters—Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana—who all became free agents following the season. Severino has since secured a three-year contract valued at $67 million with the Athletics.
Canning was originally selected by the Angels in the second round of the 2017 amateur draft after completing his college career at UCLA.
On another note, the Mets also made headlines by announcing the signings of left-handed pitcher Anthony Gose, right-handed pitcher Oliver Ortega, and catcher Chris Williams to minor league contracts, with all three players slated to report to major league spring training.
