The New York Mets have officially finalized a one-year deal with veteran right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. The agreement, first reported on Wednesday, guarantees Canning a lucrative $4.25 million with the potential to earn an additional $1 million in bonuses, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
This move marks the latest effort by the Mets to fortify their starting rotation, which, while lacking proven frontline talent, is rapidly gaining depth. Canning’s addition to the roster provides a welcome boost to the team’s pitching corps, which has been an area of focus for the Mets’ front office in recent weeks.
Canning, a 28-year-old veteran of five MLB seasons, boasts a respectable career record, having gone 22-21 with a 4.54 ERA in 74 appearances (64 starts) with the Los Angeles Angels. While his numbers may not scream “ace,” Canning’s ability to provide quality innings and compete at a high level makes him a valuable asset to the Mets’ rotation.
The Mets’ starting pitching depth chart now features a mix of established veterans and promising young arms. With Canning on board, the team can now boast a rotation that includes the likes of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, and José Quintana, among others.
While the Mets may still lack a true, proven ace, their rotation is rapidly taking shape as one of the deeper and more formidable units in the National League. As the team continues to navigate the offseason, fans can expect further moves aimed at bolstering the roster and positioning the Mets for success in the highly competitive NL East.
With Canning in the fold, the Mets have taken another significant step towards building a well-rounded and competitive team. As the 2024 season draws nearer, Mets fans have plenty of reason to be excited about the prospects of their beloved team.
