The New York Mets’ offseason overhaul of their starting rotation continues. In their latest move, the Mets have agreed to terms with free-agent right-hander Griffin Canning on a one-year, $4.25 million contract, pending a physical. The deal also includes $1 million in potential performance bonuses.
Canning, 28, spent the first five seasons of his major league career with the Los Angeles Angels before a brief stop with the Atlanta Braves at the end of 2024. The Braves non-tendered Canning in November, making him a free agent and allowing the Mets to scoop him up.
A Bounce-Back Candidate
While Canning is coming off a tough 2024 campaign in which he led the American League in earned runs allowed (99) and posted a 5.19 ERA, the Mets are hoping he can regain the form that made him one of the Angels’ most promising young arms not long ago.
Canning’s best season came in the abbreviated 2020 season, when he registered a solid 3.99 ERA over 11 starts and took home a Gold Glove award. He proved durable in 2024, setting career highs with 31 starts and 171 ⅔ innings pitched, even if the results weren’t quite what he wanted.
Mets Prioritizing Pitching Depth
Canning becomes the third starting pitcher the Mets have added on a major-league deal this winter, joining Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. Montas inked a two-year, $34 million pact with an opt-out after the first season, while Holmes, primarily a reliever since 2018, signed for three years and $38 million with an opt-out after 2026.
- Montas: 2 years, $34M (opt-out after 2025)
- Holmes: 3 years, $38M (opt-out after 2026)
- Canning: 1 year, $4.25M ($1M incentives)
The Mets’ rotation options now include:
- Holdovers: Kodai Senga, David Peterson
- Offseason additions: Montas, Holmes, Canning, Paul Blackburn
- Internal depth: Tylor Megill, Jose Butto
“We’re excited to add Griffin to our staff. He’s battled some injuries but the talent is there. We think (pitching coach) Jeremy Hefner can help unlock his potential.”
– Mets GM
With Canning in the fold, the Mets will hope their reinforced rotation can power another deep postseason run after reaching the National League Championship Series in 2024 before losing Luis Severino to free agency. In a competitive NL East, the Mets are clearly prioritizing both top-end talent and depth in their rotation as they aim to build on last year’s success.
