A reminder of why we liked the 4 pre-lockout free agent signings

NY Mets signed free agent Mark Canha for his ability to get on base and play all three outfield positions

Another addition to the Mets roster who won’t win a batting title, Mark Canha signed with the club this offseason to give them a new corner outfielder capable of also playing some center field if needed. Canha has experience at all three outfield positions and first base, too. He’ll open the season in one of the corner spots but that’s not what made him an exciting addition.

Canha is your typical low-average, high-OBP hitter. He comes into this season with only a lifetime average of .244 but with an impressive .344 OBP. The one-hundred point difference comes over from the Oakland Athletics where the famous philosophy has stated the benefits of drawing a walk.

As Opening Day has neared, some Mets fans have doubted whether Canha was the right addition to make. His power numbers have fluctuated. Knocking 17 home runs last year after 26 in far fewer plate appearances back in 2019, we can probably expect him to most closely resemble the performance from last year instead of the inflated offensive stats campaign when he saw his offensive totals soar.

Although I do agree that he looks like a bit of an overpaid with a $13 million contract this season and $11.5 million guaranteed next year, it could turn into a strong addition for the Mets. Getting on base is important. Canha, even in a down year, has been able to do this.