MLB Rumors: David Bednar trade, Mets latest, Shohei Ohtani’s value
By Scott Rogust
MLB rumors: Buck Showalter uses Sunday Night Baseball to advertise Mark Canha to contender
As it turns out, having the highest payroll in all of baseball doesn’t guarantee a spot in the postseason. The New York Mets are the latest example of that.
Owner Steve Cohen flexed his checkbook this past offseason, looking to bring in as many big-name free agents as possible after getting eliminated in the Wild Card Series by the San Diego Padres. Cohen spent nearly $500 million on free agents! The Mets signed the likes of Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, and David Robertson while keeping Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo long-term.
What have these signings gotten the Mets? A 46-53 record as of July 24, a seat in fourth place in the NL East, and an incentive to sell at the trade deadline. While there may not be any stars on the move, the outfielders could command some attention.
Manager Buck Showalter did his part in pitching one of his players to contending teams. That player was outfielder Mark Canha. After the Mets’ 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox, Showalter praised Canha for not only being able to play all three outfield positions but also first and third base.
"I think tonight was a great example as to why people like having Mark Canha on their team. He can play third, he can play first, and he can play all three"
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 24, 2023
- Buck Showalter on Mark Canha's performance in the field tonight pic.twitter.com/ryfABL4PTd
Canha played 47 games in left field, 10 games in right field, 12 games at first base, and 4 games at third base. So, does anyone need a super utility player? Because Showalter has the player for you!
This season, Canha recorded a .238 batting average, a .338 on-base percentage, a .381 slugging percentage, six home runs, 27 runs, 28 RBI, 57 hits, 48 strikeouts, and 29 walks over 239 at-bats (83 games).
Recently, ESPN’s Buster Olney linked the Seattle Mariners as a potential match for Canha.
With the Mets falling further and further out of postseason contention, trading away players to help build for their future appears to be the right route to go. Canha could be a player the Mets decide to ship to a team making a push for the postseason.