Mark Canha officially leaving Oakland A’s behind

We all knew it was coming. Mark Canha was leaving the Oakland A’s behind. His wife had tweeted out how much she was going to miss the area, making it seem as though the family was saying their goodbyes. It was just a question of where he would be going.

Now we have that answer. Canha has signed a two year deal with the Mets with a team option for 2024.

Mark Canha has found a new home

Canha was possibly the second best outfielder available in free agency. His ability to play all three outfield positions, as well as first base, adds an element of versatility to the lineup that the Mets have been coveting.

He also adds another element that the Mets are in need of. Canha has been adept at getting on base throughout his career. 2021 was another example of that ability, as he drew 77 walks and was hit by a major league leading 27 pitches in his 625 plate appearances.

Canha has been a relatively solid all around player throughout his career. He has produced a 114 OPS+ in his 2492 plate appearances, hitting 89 homers and 107 doubles. At the same time, he has become noted for his impressive ability to get on base and solid contact skills, drawing walks at a 10.2% clip while striking out in only 22% of his plate appearances.

Although the A’s had to know that Canha was leaving, his departure leaves a gaping hole. Not only do they need to find a new left fielder, but they also need a new leadoff man. Canha may not have been someone that burned up the basepaths, but he could get on and steal the occasional base. That versatility, and those on base skills, will be missed in Oakland.

It was a matter of time before Mark Canha left the Oakland A’s behind. That time happened on Friday as he signed a two year deal with that Mets.