The Mets’ ongoing pursuit of Pete Alonso and interest in trading for Dylan Cease is at the forefront as the offseason winds down but the club also has interest in a reunion with a recent fan favorite.
New York has offered free agent Mark Canha a non-guaranteed deal, per Jon Heyman of The New York Post, who does not specify exactly when the offer was made.
Canha, who is entering his age-36 season, slashed .242/.344/.346 with seven home runs, 20 doubles, 46 runs scored, and 42 RBI in 125 games for the Tigers and Giants in 2024.
He played for the Mets from 2022 until the middle of the 2023 season, when he was traded to the Brewers for right-handed pitcher Justin Jarvis during New York’s trade deadline sell-off.
During his time in Queens, Canha hit .259/.359/.395 (.754 OPS) in 229 games while spending the majority of his time in left field. He also played center field, right field, third base, and first base for the Mets.
Canha played mostly first base (50 games) and corner outfield (43 games) last season.
If brought back on a non-guaranteed deal, he would be fighting for a roster spot during spring training.
As the Mets roster is currently constructed, their bench this season is expected to include backup catcher Luis Torrens, outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker, one of Jose Siri or Tyrone Taylor (whoever isn’t starting in center field that day), and outfielder Starling Marte.
The above bench lacks a backup utility infielder, which the Mets are seeking, per SNY’s Andy Martino.
Meanwhile, if the team re-signs Alonso, that would keep Mark Vientos at third base, seemingly making it more likely that Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, and Ronny Mauricio will either have smaller roles or start the season in the minors.
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