Veteran Slugger Mark Canha Stuns Baseball World With Unexpected Free Agency Twist

After a whirlwind 2024 season that saw him play for three different teams, 36-year-old MLB veteran Mark Canha entered free agency on October 31 following his brief stint with the San Francisco Giants. The journeyman outfielder/first baseman concluded his ninth MLB season with a .288/.376/.329 slash line in 32 games for his hometown Giants before being sidelined by a right thumb sprain in September.

**Recent Career Highlights**
Canha’s 2024 campaign included:
– Midseason trade from Detroit to San Francisco for pitching prospect Eric Silva
– Notable .444 on-base percentage in final 15 games before injury
– Career .349 on-base percentage across 10 MLB seasons
– 120 career home runs and 459 RBIs

The California-Berkeley product’s journey through three organizations this season continued a pattern of high-demand versatility:
– Began 2024 with Detroit Tigers (.231/.337/.350)
– Acquired by Giants to bolster playoff push
– Played four defensive positions (1B, 3B, LF, RF)

**Contract Landscape**
Canha’s most recent contract – a 2-year, $26.5M deal with Mets in 2022 – included performance bonuses for All-Star selections and MVP votes. As he enters free agency:
– Carries lifetime .763 OPS into negotiations
– Ranks among active leaders in hit-by-pitches (187)
– Brings postseason experience from 2018-20 Oakland teams

MLB analysts speculate contending teams could value Canha’s right-handed bat and clubhouse presence despite his age. “He remains one of baseball’s most disciplined hitters,” noted an AL scout. “That .376 OBP in San Francisco shows he can still contribute.”

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