Mets have discussed a potential Dylan Cease trade with Padres
Plus, the Mets are talking to an old friend about a camp invite with about ten to days to go before pitchers and catchers begin to report to Port St. Lucie
What’s up with the Mets? 🍎
The Mets are interested in acquiring and have engaged in discussions with the Padres for RHP Dylan Cease (NY Post)
The Mets have offered old friend Mark Canha a non-guaranteed deal for this season (NY Post)
The Reds are seen as a dark horse team that could potentially sign Pete Alonso (NY Post)
Former Met Howard Johnson planned on being at Amazin’ Day but unfortunately missed the event since is due to have surgery on his foot (Jay Horwitz)
The team designated Dylan Covey for assignment to make room for Ryne Stanek on the roster
Rumor Mill 💨
The Cubs are also interested in Dylan Cease, but the Padres may prefer the Mets crop of prospects (NY Post)
Lance Lynn is reportedly drawing interest from teams as a closer (The Athletic)
The White Sox were working on a potential deal to send Luis Robert Jr. to the Reds, but the trade fell apart when the two sides couldn’t agree on how much salary Cincinnati would take on (The Athletic)
The Yankees are still in the market for and infielder and a lefty reliever (MLB.com)
Mark Canha would be a good low-cost addition to the team ✍️
It came as a bit of a surprise when Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets offered old friend Mark Canha a non-guaranteed contract for 2025, but it still was some welcome news even though nothing has been agreed to.
In his short time with the team, he quickly became a fan favorite while also producing solid numbers in one and a half seasons. He had a knack for getting hit by pitches, and it was fitting when he was hit by a pitch that set the new HBP record in franchise history.
In 229 games with the Mets between 2022 and 2023, the now 36-year-old Canha hit .259/.359/.395 with 39 doubles, 19 home runs, and 90 RBI with 80 walks and 149 strikeouts in 845 plate appearances. Again, nothing that jumps off the page but steady and dependable.
For a team that thrived on vibes last season, Canha would again be a great vibes guy since he was well-liked during his time with the team. Last season, he hit .242/.344/.346 with 7 HR and 42 RBIs split between the Tigers and Giants. He finished the year with San Francisco and hit much better with them than in Detroit. With the Tigers, he hit .231/.337/.350 in 93 games, whereas with the Giants, he hit .288/.376/.329 but in only 32 games. He was also solid against left-handed pitching last year and hit .275/.380/.395 in 109 at-bats.
He’s also still generally good at hitting spin and off-speed pitches - he had positive run values against change-ups, sliders, and cutters, and the Mets have seemingly endeavored to improve upon that area in 2024, that which they struggled against for much of the season.
By no means should Canha have an everyday role with the Mets, should he be brought into camp and he makes the team. He was probably a “less is more” player when they first signed him and now, four full seasons later, is certainly a “less is more” for the back of this roster.
But he could be a solid bench bat that could fill in against southpaws, and he would be a relatively low-cost option for David Stearns as he looks to fill out the rest of the roster. With the Mets’ first base situation uncertain at the moment, Canha has filled in at first in the past but is versatile in the outfield as well.
Around the League 🚩
The Blue Jays signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal worth $15.5 million
The Mariners brought back Jorge Polanco one a one-year, $7.75 million contract
Ha-Seong Kim signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for two years and $29 million
Any talk about a "sign and trade" for Cease or King? Wouldn't that be in both teams' best interest? If I'm Stearns, I'm willing to offer a nice juicy package if he's signed for 3-5 years.
Not for nothing, but I'm not surprised to suddenly see Cincinnati in the mix. I made that call myself a few weeks ago.
But I would be surprised if they have the resources to make a real run at Pete. If we take the current deal on the table as a baseline, the Reds would have to commit at least $70 million over three years.
That looks like a pretty steep hill for them to climb, especially since Elly De La Cruz is arbitration eligible in a couple years.
Still, strictly from a baseball perspective, it's a good fit. Cincinnati needs pop, and Pete could go bombs away in the Great American Ballbark with speed on the basepaths in front of him. Lots and lots of fastballs.