Bring Back Mark Canha In 2024

Mark Canha was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers from the New York Mets at the trade deadline. All Milwaukee gave up for Canha was a minor-league reliever. While not a flashy acquisition, Canha has helped the Brewers offense go from being trapped in futility to a competent bunch. After this season, Canha’s contract contains a $12.2 million team option for 2024. Given how much better Milwaukee offense has looked with Canha in the lineup, I think the Brewers should bring him back next season.

Not A Flashy Acquisition

When the Brewers acquired Mark Canha from the Mets at the deadline, it wasn’t a move to get excited over. All the Brewers gave up for Canha was the team’s 12th-ranked minor-league pitching prospect Justin Jarvis. He isn’t a home run threat in the batter’s box. The most home runs Canha has hit in his career is 26 which all came during the juiced ball summer of 2019. Canha also isn’t a perennial RBI threat as the most he’s had in his career was 70 which came during his rookie year. However, he has brought the ability to consistently get on base.

He’s Helped The Brewers Become Competent Offensively

Throughout Canha’s nine-year career, he has developed a strong feel for the strike zone. This season, Mark Canha has put up an on-base percentage of .362 with a walk rate of 10.4%. Canha also doesn’t strike out very much either. Prior to his arrival, Milwaukee struggled to get men on base. Their OBP was among the worst in the league. Canha’s ability to get on base helped the offense have several multi-run scoring innings in the second half.

Mark Canha Has Been More Productive In Milwaukee

Since coming over to Milwaukee, Canha has been more productive offensively than he was with the Mets. With the Brewers, Canha has put up a slash line of .313/.405/.455 with an OPS of .860. He also has a .344 batting average whenever he puts the ball in play. For the past three years, the Brewers have needed players with the abilities that Canha possesses. With the roster only getting younger, Milwaukee could use a veteran like him in the clubhouse.

Plenty Of Money Will Be Freed Up To Bring Him Back

This offseason, the Brewers are going to be letting lots of players go. This includes ace Corbin Burnes who is more than likely going to be traded this offseason. With many players leaving, there will be plenty of money freed up to bring back Canha in 2024 and address other needs as well. If the Brewers want to extend their contention window, bringing back Mark Canha for another year will help their cause.

He Can Help Extend Milwaukee’s Contention Window

Mark Canha has been the type of player the Brewers have needed for the past three years. Since coming over from New York, he has thrived in Milwaukee. His ability to get on base has helped turn what was an offense that was lost into a competent attack. Bringing back Mark Canha will help Milwaukee extend their window of contention.

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