The New York Mets have bolstered their rotation by signing pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year contract. The deal, announced Thursday, provides the Mets with another option for the back end of their revamped starting lineup.
Canning, a right-hander, struggled during the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 6-13 record and a 5.19 ERA. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves on October 31 in exchange for outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler. However, his time with Atlanta was short-lived, as the Braves released him weeks later, opting not to offer him a 2025 contract despite his arbitration eligibility.
Over his five-season MLB career, the 28-year-old has compiled a 25-34 record with a 4.78 ERA in 94 starts and five relief appearances, all with the Angels. Canning earned a Gold Glove in 2020 but missed the 2022 season due to a back injury.
In 2024, Canning achieved a career-high 171 2/3 innings pitched across 31 starts and one relief appearance, despite the Angels finishing last in the AL West with a 63-99 record. He also recorded career highs in home runs (31) and walks (66) allowed.
The Mets’ current rotation features key arms such as 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 a spot in the rotation.
New York recently made a surprise run to the National League Championship Series but lost several veteran starters, including Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, to free agency. Severino later signed a three-year, $67 million contract with the Athletics.
Canning, a former UCLA standout, was originally drafted by the Angels in the second round of the 2017 amateur draft.
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