Mark Canha ready to say goodbye to Oakland A’s

There was always a faint sliver of hope. Until Mark Canha officially signed elsewhere, Oakland A’s fans could dream that somehow, some way, he would return. The versatile outfield, the constant presence at the top of the lineup, would remain in place. As unlikely as it may be, there was always hope.

Those hopes are all but gone. Canha’s wife, Marci, stated that the family is going to miss Oakland while giving a plug for a Spanish speaking preschool.

Mark Canha ready to say goodbye to Oakland A’s

It really should not be much of a surprise. The A’s are going out of their way to slash payroll, with every player that is arbitration eligible potentially on the trade block. Any free agent signings would likely be of the minor league persuasion or potential bargains as they scrape the bottom of the barrel again.

Canha, for how well he fit with the A’s, was never going to be a part of that future. His performance, a 111 OPS+ with 17 homers and 22 doubles while stealing 12 bases. Canha was adept at getting on base, drawing 77 walks while being hit with a major league leading 27 pitches.

Although he was not as good with the glove as he has been in the past, Canha still showed his value defensively. He appeared at all three outfield positions and has experience at first base. The A’s value his versatility and his ability to get on base, but they also value their profit margins more.

It is a reality that the Canha’s are well aware of. It is also one that is going to lead to their leaving Oakland behind, finding a new home elsewhere. Plenty of teams will be looking for a player with his skillset, allowing him to get the type of contract he deserves.

Mark Canha is ready to say goodbye to the Oakland A’s. Considering that the franchise is selling everyone, it should not be a surprise.