Griffin Canning joins Mets on a one-year contract.©(@wilkersonadylan )
The New York Mets have reportedly signed right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic initially reported. The 28-year-old pitcher will bring depth to the Mets’ rotation following a challenging 2024 season. In his fifth big league season last year, Canning led the league with 99 earned runs over 171.2 innings, finishing with a 5.19 ERA, 5.26 FIP, and a 1.398 WHIP across 32 games (31 starts). While he struck out 130 batters, his 6.8 strikeouts per nine innings marked a career low.
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Despite the down year, Canning’s recent history demonstrates the potential for a rebound. After cutting the entire 2022 season due to injury, Canning returned in 2023 with a 4.32 ERA, 1.236 WHIP, and an impressive 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings over 127 innings pitched. His ability to generate swings and misses, particularly with his changeup, has been a key part of his success. In 2024, Canning’s changeup recorded a 28.8% whiff rate and a .318 weighted on-base average, making it his most effective pitch.
Canning’s arsenal primarily consists of a four-seam fastball averaging 93.4 mph, a changeup at 88.6 mph, and a slider at 87.7 mph, with occasional curveball use. The combination has allowed him to accumulate 483 strikeouts and maintain a 2.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 508 career innings despite a 4.78 career ERA and 1.333 WHIP.
Canning spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Angels before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Jorge Soler after the 2024 season. The Braves non-tendered Canning following the trade, making him a free agent.
The Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, emphasized the importance of flexibility for pitchers like Canning as the team evaluates rotation and bullpen roles for the upcoming season. With Jose Butto, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill in the mix, the Mets will stretch out all potential starters during the offseason to maximize roster options.
The addition of Canning gives the Mets a veteran option at the back of the rotation, potentially easing the workload on younger arms while providing the opportunity for a bounce-back season. Canning’s career numbers, combined with flashes of effectiveness in recent years, suggest he could play a key role for the Mets in the 2025 campaign.
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