The New York Mets entered Spring Training with big expectations following their surprise run to the National League Championship Series last season.
Their offseason was headlined by the blockbuster signing of Juan Soto. In turn, setting the stage for what Mets fans hoped would be a dominant 2025 campaign.
New York Hits Early Injury Trouble
The team hit an early snag with injuries piling up before the season begins. First, left-hander Sean Manaea suffered an oblique strain, sidelining him for an extended period.
Shortly after, infielder Nick Madrigal fractured his shoulder blade, further depleting the Mets’ depth. With gaps in their roster forming quickly, the Mets turned to the trade market for reinforcements.
Mets Acquire Alexander Canario in Trade With Cubs
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Mets struck a deal with the Chicago Cubs, acquiring outfielder Alexander Canario in exchange for cash considerations.
Canario, a 24-year-old outfielder, was designated for assignment by the Cubs last week. That made him an available depth option for New York.
Canario first gained recognition as part of the 2021 trade that sent Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants. Since then, he has spent nearly four seasons in the Cubs organization, showing promise but also struggling with inconsistency.
His minor league numbers—.261/.346/.501—suggests offensive upside, but his 26.3% career strikeout rate has been a lingering concern.
Injuries further hampered his development in 2023. He suffered both shoulder and ankle injuries while playing in the Dominican Winter League.
Despite returning to action and hitting 18 home runs in Triple-A Iowa, his strikeout rate climbed to 30.3%, raising questions about his long-term potential at the major league level.
How Canario Fits Into the Roster
With Brandon Nimmo still recovering from plantar fasciitis and expected to miss the opening weeks of the Grapefruit League, Canario adds much-needed outfield depth.
The Mets already have Starling Marte in the mix, but Canario will likely compete with Tyrone Taylor for a roster spot, as both players are out of minor league options.
At best, this trade is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Mets. If Canario can cut down on strikeouts and provide power, he could provide valuable depth as a right-handed bat off the bench. If not, the Mets can easily move on without much investment lost.
This isn’t a season-defining acquisition by any means. The Mets’ efforts are to build roster flexibility amid early injury struggles. As Spring Training continues, Canario’s performance will be something to watch as the team evaluates its final roster decisions.
