Simple And Direct:

The New York Mets have made a surprising move this offseason, signing right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year deal. While the move has generated mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike, it’s clear that the Mets are taking a gamble on a pitcher with significant upside and downside.

Who is Griffin Canning?

Griffin Canning is a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the minor league system and made his major league debut in 2019.

Canning’s Career Highlights:

2019: Pitched 132 innings with a 4.58 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.

2020: Posted a career-best 3.99 ERA in a shortened season.

2021: Struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, posting a 5.60 ERA in 24 innings.

2022: Missed the entire season due to a back injury.

2023: Returned to the majors and pitched 127 innings with a 4.32 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.

2024: Pitched 171.2 innings with a 5.19 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.

Why Did the Mets Sign Him?

The Mets are clearly hoping that Canning can return to his 2020 form and become a reliable starter in their rotation. They are betting on his talent and potential, despite his recent struggles.

Here are a few reasons why the Mets may have signed Canning:

High Ceiling: Canning has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and the Mets believe that he has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Low-Risk, High-Reward: The one-year deal is a low-risk move for the Mets. If Canning doesn’t pan out, they can simply let him walk at the end of the season.

Depth: Canning adds depth to the Mets’ pitching staff, which is always important, especially in case of injuries.

The Risks Involved

While the Mets’ signing of Canning is an intriguing move, it’s important to acknowledge the risks involved.

Here are some of the risks associated with the signing:

Injury Prone: Canning has a history of injuries, which could derail his season.

Inconsistency: He has been inconsistent throughout his career, and it’s unclear whether he can maintain a high level of performance.

Command Issues: Canning has struggled with his command at times, which can lead to walks and home runs.

What to Expect from Canning in 2025

It’s difficult to predict what to expect from Canning in 2025. He could be a breakout star or a complete flop. Much will depend on his health and ability to stay consistent.

Here are a few scenarios that could play out:

Scenario 1: Canning Returns to Form: If Canning can stay healthy and regain his 2020 form, he could be a valuable addition to the Mets’ rotation.

Scenario 2: Canning Struggles Again: If Canning continues to struggle with injuries and inconsistency, he could be a liability for the Mets.

Scenario 3: Canning Flashes Potential but Remains Inconsistent: This is the most likely scenario. Canning could have some good starts and some bad starts.

Conclusion

The Mets’ signing of Griffin Canning is a high-risk, high-reward move. If it pays off, it could be a major boost to their pitching staff. However, if it doesn’t, it could be a costly mistake. Only time will tell.