5 Mets trade destinations for Mark Canha if the team sells
The New York Mets may be inclined to sell some pieces after the debacle that has plagued the team since June. Among the options that may have some value for contenders, Mark Canha stands out as a compelling option for teams who could generate a reasonable return for the Mets.
The demand market for outfielder services has become more dynamic in recent weeks. Several teams require a left field, with the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball, with Canha being a possible fit for these requirements.
1) The Mets could trade Canha to the Yankees
The Yankees are in the market for outfielders, especially those playing left field. The Bronx Bombers' offense has been ineffective, being the worst team in MLB in terms of BABIP and the bottom five in on-base percentage.
Mark Canha could quickly benefit the Yankees' lineup. Due to his ability to get on base, being one of the Mets' top OBP players, Canha also limits his chase rate, which impacts him striking out not too often and putting the ball in play.
Canha owns a $13.5 million contract (for luxury tax purposes) that the Mets would be assuming the remainder of. Additionally, he has a $11.5 million club option for 2024 with a $2 million buyout.
The Yankees could get a player of caliber and skill without sacrificing money or prospects. Unlike other teams, for the Mets, the Yankees have controllable relievers who may be of interest to the team so they could contribute this season and the following.
Trade between both teams would be beneficial since both have a surplus in a position of need for the other. In a scenario in which the Yankees are willing to give up a relief pitcher like Ron Marinaccio, the Mets would be inclined to sell Canha, who could help the Yankees in their playoff quest.
2) Mets left fielder Mark Canha fits the model of the Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are in the fight for the leadership of the American League Central Division against the Minnesota Twins. The Guardians have several needs in the team, especially on offense, and are looking for an outfield and a power bat, where if both can play first base is a plus.
Mark Canha quickly applies to the needs of the Guardians. His ability to play left field and first base is appealing to the Cleveland organization.
Fortunately, the offensive style built on his roster, which prioritizes contact and OBP skills, are the strengths of Canha's hitter profile. Likewise, the financial situation of the Guardians organization makes teams like the Mets a better negotiation target, knowing that Steve Cohen would prioritize a return of more prospects assuming a higher financial cost.
The fit between both organizations could work. The Mets could try to boost the prospect return from the Canha trade by asking multiple players to rank above the top 20 in the organization.
The Mets could first ask for left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo, the organization's No. 14 prospect, but the Guardians might be reluctant to give up a pitcher of this level. Instead, given Canha's time in control, the Mets could look to the duo of right-handers Hunter Gaddis and Nic Enright, the No. 22 and No. 23 prospects in the Cleveland organization.
Gaddis is a pitcher with major league experience and Enright is a AAA pitcher with MLB proximity. In a trade of this type, both organizations could benefit from the benefits and advantages of each other.
3) The explosive offense of the Texas Rangers continues to look for options that fit the left field of the Mets
The Texas Rangers are one of the best offenses in MLB. The team has the highest batting average and on-base percentage in the league and is second in OPS, behind only the Atlanta Braves.
Despite this, within the Rangers' priorities, acquiring a consistent offensive left field is necessary. Throughout the season, Robbie Grossman has been managing the position but has failed to produce consistently and has a profile closer to a fourth outfielder.
Canha's value isn't high, but the fact that the Mets can assume his contract is appealing to teams as it gives them monetary flexibility to make other trades and acquisitions. This increases the Mets' chances of getting more than they could for a player of this profile.
Because the Rangers have other MLB roster needs, the Mets target prospects. A trade involving the right-handed pitcher Marc Church (No. 19 prospect) from the Rangers would make sense.
For the Rangers, Church is a potential but volatile player who would end up in relief due to a limited arsenal. For the Mets, Church can represent an important piece moving forward due to his fastball that sits between 94 and 97 mph and his age, being an almost MLB-ready talent.
For some scouts, Church has a closer ceiling in MLB due to his nasty stuff, but he must work on his change-up. Trade between these two teams would cover the needs of both, without implying excessive cost or sacrifice.
4) Mets outfielder Mark Canha may be the complementary piece the Twins need
The Minnesota Twins need some upgrades and pieces in their offense. Although the organization will go in search of outside help, they are not looking at any blockbuster trade or relatively expensive parts.
The Twins' left field has been in rotation all season without finding a consistent offensive production piece. Similarly, the team is one of the worst in the league in terms of collective base percentage.
Mark Canha could immediately help the Minnesota team's offense without overpaying for this help. His ability to get on base, drive in runs, and play outfield and first base provides the flexibility needed for everyday play.
Since the Mets will assume Canha's contract, the Twins would be forced to pay for this benefit. The Mets would be requiring MLB talent or players who are close to contributing in the big leagues.
The Mets could look to Jordan Balazovic, who is the No. 18 prospect in the Twins organization and is currently in MLB, as a potential trade. If the New York team wants to get creative, they could add a relief arm in Adam Ottavino or even a middle type of prospect to the trade and capitalize on and get former top prospect, Austin Martin.
5) The Mets could make an intradivision trade with the Marlins
The Miami Marlins are battling for a spot in the National League Wild Card. The organization, which has a significant number of pitchers within the MLB roster and its farm system, has spent years trying to cover needs in its offense.
After many disappointing years for Miami fans, the Marlins continue to play baseball that could return them to the postseason. To do that, they need to bolster their lineup with viable options for power and on-base ability.
The Marlins will likely make more than one trade this summer, trying to get multiple options on their offense. This is why Mark Canha can be an option that could benefit your offense and provide flexibility on defense.
The Marlins could blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for a power bat and still have room to make a middle-impact trade with the Mets for Canha. The Mets would be delighted if they could land a prospect like Victor Mesa Jr. in a trade like this, but that would be off the radar.
Instead, the Mets could ask for Josh Simpson and high-power pitcher Sean Reynolds, the No. 22 and 23 prospects in the Marlins organization. AAA pitcher Reynolds has a fastball that reaches 100 mph and has potential as a starter, while Simpson, is a little behind in his development but is a left-handed pitcher, who has a high spin curveball and despite being in Class A, could contribute as soon as 2024.