Griffin Canning, a name that didn’t even get the ink dry on a Braves jersey, might just be taking the mound against the Atlanta Braves this upcoming season. But before diving into that potential spicy matchup, let’s rewind.
Here’s the deal: The Braves snagged Canning from the Angels on October 31 in exchange for Jorge Soler. Seems straightforward enough. But in a twist faster than a 12-6 curveball, Atlanta decided by Thanksgiving not to tender him a contract. They gave him a “thanks, but no thanks” and let him walk right into free agency.
Enter the Mets. On Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that New York inked Canning to a 1-year deal worth $4.25 million for 2025. For context, Canning made $2.6 million last season with the Angels.
But what really happened here is Atlanta’s front office playing a bit of financial chess. Trading Soler and then cutting ties with Canning saved the Braves a $32 million over the next two seasons. That’s not pocket change.
Why The New York Mets?
But hold on, what’s the Mets’ motivation here? Canning’s 2024 stats don’t exactly scream “game-changer.” He went 6-13 with a 5.19 ERA, and his 99 earned runs were the most in the American League. Add in a 1.398 WHIP and a career ERA of 4.78, and, well, let’s just say the Mets might be hoping for a comeback story more than a sure bet.
Yet, despite all that, Canning has an undeniable opportunity to prove a point. And the date to circle? June 17. That’s when the Mets roll into Truist Park for a three-game series against the Braves. Imagine the scene: Canning on the mound, staring down the team that couldn’t see him as worth a few million bucks.
Let’s not get carried away with the drama — the Braves’ decision was clearly business-oriented. But if Canning is healthy and in the Mets rotation, the baseball gods just might line things up perfectly for him to get a crack at his former, would-be team.
That potential storyline writes itself: a pitcher with something to prove, a fanbase ready with a mix of chuckles and curiosity, and two divisional rivals squaring off.
And hey, even if this doesn’t turn into a revenge game for the ages, it’ll still be a fascinating subplot in the Braves-Mets rivalry. June 17-19 in Atlanta, followed by June 23-26 in Queens — plenty of chances for this storyline to unfold. If you’re a fan of a little poetic justice, keep an eye on Canning.
