Can Griffin Canning Be A Cheap Middle-Of-The-Rotation Option For The Crew?

[Michael Trzinski]

Way back in 2017, Griffin Canning was the 47^th overall pick in the MLB Amateur Draft by the Los Angeles Angels. The second-round selection made it to the majors in 2019, but in his five seasons in the bigs, he has disappointed. After his recent trade to Atlanta and subsequent release days later, Canning is on the market. Is he worth the risk?

Image courtesy of © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Griffin Canning, a right-hander out of UCLA, has been plagued by inconsistency and injury. After showing promise in his first two seasons with an ERA+ of 101 and 114, respectively, in 2019 and 2020, he suffered a lower back stress fracture late in 2021 and was shelved for the remainder of the campaign. The same injury forced him to miss the 2022 season, with Canning electing to rehab his back instead of undergoing surgery.

Prior to the 2023 season, the Angels and Canning agreed to a one-year, $850,000 contract and avoided arbitration. Canning gave the Halos their money’s worth, making 22 starts and posting an ERA+ of 103 while striking out batters at a rate of 25.9%, allowing only 6.7% walks across 127 innings.

The solid season earned Canning a $2.6 million contract for 2024. Canning made 31 starts during the season and struggled to the tune of an 81 ERA+ while whiffing only 17.6% of the batters he faced. On Halloween, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Jorge Soler. Three weeks later, without throwing a pitch for Atlanta, Canning was non-tendered by the Braves.

A healthy Canning is a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter and could be had for a reasonable deal. Per Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in Canning. Brewer Fanatic writer Jason Wang says that the Brewers have excessive pieces in the rotation. That may be so, but could a healthy Canning be among the better choices?

Canning is also an elite fielder on the mound, having won the AL Gold Glove Award in 2020 and was nominated for the same honor in 2024 (won by Seth Lugo). Here is an example of his defensive prowess.

Given that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is a low-risk, high-reward kind of guy, is it possible that the Brewers are thinking the same thing about Canning?

Share your thoughts about the 28-year-old righty. Are his best days behind him, or does he have a few solid years left?

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[Simba2020]

Since the Mets signed him two days ago, probably not an option. I probably would have preferred Rae over this guy anyway.

[rafa]

Yep, he's with the Mets as Simba mentioned.  No worries BrewerFanatic, you still have more articles and more quality articles than the other blogs.

 

[Michael Trzinski]

This was finished up just before Canning got signed. Not sure how it slipped into publication. Oh well, it was a good idea...

[eddiemathews]

5 hours ago, Simba2020 said:

Since the Mets signed him two days ago, probably not an option. I probably would have preferred Rae over this guy anyway.

Ya know, that could very well still happen.

[Brian]

The deal, first reported on Wednesday, will guarantee Canning $4.25 million and includes up to $1 million in bonuses, according to a source. 

[Rick Daltons Flamethrower]

The Fanatic writers rock in this blog. We are fortunate in Milwaukee to have this kind of coverage. Thanks and Merry Christmas to all!

[Michael Trzinski]

11 hours ago, Rick Daltons Flamethrower said:

The Fanatic writers rock in this blog. We are fortunate in Milwaukee to have this kind of coverage. Thanks and Merry Christmas to all!

Thanks for the kind words and Merry Christmas to you!!