Once, the Toronto Blue Jays enjoyed an abundance of right-handed hitters in their lineup, providing managers Charlie Montoyo and John Schneider plenty of options. However, by 2024, the team faced a different challenge, accumulating more left-handed hitters and experiencing a dip in power, regardless of batting side.
As the offseason approaches, the Blue Jays are on the lookout for power hitters to strengthen their lineup and will turn to the free-agent market to meet this need. Veteran outfielder Mark Canha, who will soon be a free agent, could be a cost-effective solution for Toronto this winter.
Mark Canha’s 2024 Season
Canha started the season with the Detroit Tigers after being traded from Milwaukee in the 2023/2024 offseason. His time in the AL Central was brief, as the Tigers traded him to the San Francisco Giants at the deadline, where he finished the year on the West Coast.
The California native had a lackluster offensive season, finishing with a .243/.344/.346 line over 125 games. Overall, Canha was around replacement level, registering a wRC+ of 102, along with seven home runs and 42 RBIs between both teams. He also had a 99 OPS+ and posted a 20.8% strikeout rate with an 11.0% walk rate in 393 at-bats. Defensively, he showed versatility, mainly playing in the corner outfield spots, first base, and as a designated hitter.
Despite a slight decline in his offensive metrics this year, Canha has the potential to return to the numbers he put up in 2022 (.266/.367/.403) and 2023 (.262/.355/.400), particularly in terms of slugging. With ten years of MLB experience, he could provide valuable veteran leadership to a clubhouse that is transitioning to a younger core.
Mark Canha’s Contract
Before entering free agency this winter, Canha was on a two-year, $26.5 million deal that began with the New York Mets before he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in the latter part of 2023. After finishing the 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants, he is now seeking a new contract, ideally with a contender. However, his market value is uncertain due to the presence of other free agents. If Canha can secure a deal similar to his previous contract (around one year, $13 million), it would be a good opportunity for him, though he might end up signing for significantly less, potentially around or below $5 million.
Mark Canha’s Fit with the Blue Jays
Currently, Canha’s fit with the Blue Jays is uncertain due to existing outfielders like Joey Loperfido, George Springer, and Daulton Varsho, as well as others seeking playing time, including Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase, and Alan Roden.
Canha could potentially serve as a fourth outfielder and play first base occasionally, but there’s competition for those roles. The Blue Jays have previously utilized Addison Barger and Davis Schneider as fourth outfielders, though both are more suited for infield positions; Schneider played more games in left field than at second base last season. While Lukes and Steward Berroa are also in the mix, Canha could be considered an upgrade over them.
If the price is right, adding Canha could enhance the team’s depth, but the Blue Jays may prefer to develop their internal talent and allocate salary space elsewhere, making a deal for the right-handed hitter a lower priority this winter.