Sep 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Griffin Canning (47) blows a bubble while walking off the field after pitching during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

mlb

Mets sign Griffin Canning to $4.3M deal after Angels stint to boost rotation depth

Mets add Griffin Canning to deepen pitching rotation

The Mets are on the move again, and Griffin Canning is their latest addition to the rotation. While the $4.25 million deal (plus $1 million in bonuses) won’t grab much attention like their Juan Soto signing, it’s strategic enough to build depth.

The Mets are signing RHP Griffin Canning to a 1-year deal, per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/JZoEtHq5YY
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 19, 2024

Canning’s 2024 season wasn’t pretty—a 5.19 ERA over 171 2/3 innings, leading the AL in earned runs allowed. But before you dismiss this as a meaningless pickup, let’s break it down. The Mets are betting on potential, and with Jeremy Hefner overseeing pitching development, they might just unlock something the Angels and Braves couldn’t.

Griffin Canning Contract details

Canning’s MLB deal is straightforward, with one year, $4.25 million guaranteed with the possibility of earning $1 million more in bonuses. It’s a low-risk contract for a team that desperately needs rotation insurance. What’s notable here is that the Mets structured the deal in a way that allows Canning to compete for a starting role while offering flexibility if he underperforms.

Betting on depth over flash

The Mets’ rotation already has a clear top four in Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson. Canning, along with Tylor Megill and Paul Blackburn, adds depth to the backend. Is this the rotation of a championship favorite? Not yet.

Mets, RHP Griffin Canning reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH's @AnthonyDiComo. pic.twitter.com/3eVui3EmtK
— MLB (@MLB) December 19, 2024

Canning’s value lies in his durability. He pitched a career-high 31 starts in 2024, showcasing his ability to handle a full season after a 2022 back injury sidelined him. Sure, his numbers aren’t elite, but his previous league-average ERA+ (99) hints at a pitcher who might thrive under the right conditions.

A gamble worth taking

Canning might not be the ace Mets fans were hoping for. But the Angels’ struggles with developing pitching talent are well-documented, and the Braves’ decision to non-tender Canning doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a lost cause.

The Mets are banking on Hefner’s ability to refine Canning’s arsenal and limit the home runs that plagued his time in Los Angeles. Best case? He becomes a reliable mid-rotation arm. Worst case? He’s a stopgap with minimal financial fallout.

The bigger picture

This signing aligns with David Stearns’ philosophy: build a rotation deep enough to withstand the inevitable grind of a 162-game season. Canning might not be the savior, but he’s another piece in the puzzle.

The Mets have made it clear they’re still in the market for pitching, with names like Sean Manaea and Walker Buehler floating around. But until those deals materialize, Canning offers something invaluable—options.

Mets ink Griffin Canning. A nice changeup, slider guy…solid depth move for about 4.5M! pic.twitter.com/ipu2RwudrP
— Sam Fosberg (@discussbaseball) December 19, 2024

For now, it’s a cautious thumbs-up. If Hefner and the Mets’ pitching lab can work their magic, this deal could quietly become one of the offseason’s smartest moves. If not, the financial risk is negligible.

Image: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Griffin Canning

Griffin Canning $4.25M

Griffin Canning Mets

Griffin Canning signs with Mets

mets Griffin Canning

Mets sign Griffin Canning

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.