Mark Canha is (Still, and More Urgently Than Ever) the Perfect Twins Free-Agent Target

[Cody Schoenmann]

Three months into the offseason, the right-handed hitting corner outfielder/first baseman is still the perfect free agent target for the Twins—and each of the best alternatives has flown off the shelves.

Image courtesy of © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

On Nov. 25, 2024, Aaron Gleeman and Dan Hayes of The Athletic published their annual "Twins roster projection 1.0" piece, looking at where the club's 26-man sat upon the season's conclusion and what position groups needed to be addressed over the offseason. Nearly two months later, the roster looks the same, plus or minus a few small pieces at the edges of the roster. The piece provided an in-depth look at the players currently under contract from Minnesota. However, Hayes inserted a suggestive nugget in the back half of the article.

When discussing the outfield corps, Hayes wrote, "This is a spot where a righty bat like Mark Canha might make sense. It's clear the Twins could use someone to play first base and corner outfield. Even though Canha struggled in Detroit last season, he was still nearly a league-average bat, a status he retained over the final two months in San Francisco." He concluded, stating, "Between first base and the corners, he would give manager Rocco Baldelli the flexibility to balance the lineup."

Again, Gleeman and Hayes published this piece over two months ago. Yet, with Canha still on the market and the Twins having yet to add a position player with MLB experience on a guaranteed deal this offseason, the sentiment remains the same: Canha remains a tremendous option. As noted by Hayes, Canha performed well last season for the Tigers and Giants, hitting .242/.344/.346 with 95 hits, 20 doubles, seven home runs, and a 102 wRC+ over 462 plate appearances. That constituted a down year, too. Canha had produced at an above-average to significantly above-average for the Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers from 2018 through 2023, averaging a 124 wRC+ over that six-season stretch and topping out at a 146 wRC+ over 497 plate appearances in 2019.

Over his nine-year career, the 35-year-old wily veteran has demonstrated a knack for being platoon-proof, posting a 113 wRC+ over 1,331 plate appearances against left-handed pitching and a 116 wRC+ over 2,270 plate appearances versus right-handed pitching. Again, he did have a relatively disappointing 2024 campaign, mostly due to a power outage; he's never had plus powwr and the two pitcher-friendly parks in which he played last year magnified that shortcoming. However, his ability to hit pitching of either handedness held firm, as he posted an above-average 124 wRC+ over 129 plate appearances against southpaws and a respectable 94 wRC+ over 333 plate appearances against righty pitchers. Evidently, signing Canha would provide the Twins and first-year hitting coach Matt Borgschulte with a stabilizing right-handed bat and a high OBP, which would be a welcome addition to what has been a high-variance, occasionally all-or-nothing lineup.

Canha would also provide significant positional flexibility, a skillset Twins decision-makers value. Last season, the Cal-Berkeley product netted time at the following positions:

• First Base - 375 ⅓ innings
• Left Field - 185 innings
• Right Field - 103 ⅔ innings 
• Third Base - one inning 

Canha also played 50 games as a designated hitter. He isn’t an exceptional fielder at first base or either corner outfield spot. However, he isn’t a disaster either, typically hovering around 0 in Outs Above Average (OAA) at all three positions. Given his adequate fielding prowess, Canha could serve as the primary backup for Trevor Larnach in left field, Matt Wallner in right field, and José Miranda at first base. He could also fill in for extended stretches if injury or significant performance concerns arise for Larnach, Wallner, or Miranda and serve as a viable designated hitter option against lefty starting pitchers.

Minnesota agreed to sign veteran left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe earlier this week, to a one-year, $3-million contract. Coulombe's happy reunion likely further intensifies the strict financial restrictions ownership has placed upon the front office. Canha was originally expected to make $5-7 million on a one-year contract in 2025, meaning he would fall outside the team's price range. This late in the winter, though, prices fall. Canha's could be one of them.

That said, the team could still part ways with one of Chris Paddack (one year, $7.5 million) or Christian Vázquez (one year, $10 million) in the coming days or week, permitting them to stretch a bit and meet Canha's asking price. They missed out on Ramón Laureano ($4 million to Baltimore) and Randal Grichuk ($5 million to Arizona) on Tuesday; it might be time to pony up and snag Canha. The Twins front office prides itself on finding creative solutions to improve the club. Signing a beloved veteran who could plug the team's last two definitive areas of need on the 26-man roster would be a superb demonstration of their clever roster-building strategy.

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[Mark G]

I am not normally someone who likes the whole platoon thing and playing different positions every day.  I prefer putting your best players at each position on the field and letting them play their game.  Having said that, getting a veteran player who can give back up flexibility at both positions and a right handed bat to boot, I would be on board with that signing.  My only question would be is he considered a good addition to the clubhouse, or not so much?  That would be the only deal breaker for me.  

[old nurse]

The author really gave many of the reasons why not to sign the player, 

[DJL44]

18 minutes ago, Mark G said:

My only question would be is he considered a good addition to the clubhouse, or not so much?  That would be the only deal breaker for me.  

He's been in MLB for a decade and nobody has openly complained about him.

[TwinsDr2021]

Sure sign him, since it does seem the Twins are lacking in the DH department, still leaves a bench of Vazquez, Castro, Martin and 1 of (Julien/Helman/Keirsey/Gasper)

Does this move make the team better, IMO maybe slightly but not forcing a Gasper or Julien DH.

 

and on a side note does this site constantly cause your browser to crash?

[dxpavelka]

Not so much above average bat at 1B and a below average fielder to boot (pun intended) feels like a let down from Santana.  Holding out for Alonzo.  Make it happen.

[Riverbrian]

According to Roster Resource.

The current projected Twins 26 man roster contains:

8 right handed hitters

3 left handed hitters

2 switch hitters

Apparently 8 isn't enough... apparently we need 9 right handed hitters to face all that right handed pitching that comprises 75% of the arms. 

[Parfigliano]

Why, why, why would they want to sign Margot 2.0?

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Canha's a pro. In terms of his clubhouse presence, I don't think that's anything to worry about. Besides, you have Correa and Buxton as the clear leaders. There won't be issues.

In terms of on-field, he's better than the in-house alternatives, but not by much. 

[miracleb]

Sign him to a minor league contract and have him available in case of injuries......sure.

[NYCTK]

49 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

Not so much above average bat at 1B and a below average fielder to boot (pun intended) feels like a let down from Santana.  Holding out for Alonzo.  Make it happen.

Alonso. And it's not happening. 

[killertwinfan]

Yeah great. They have no money!

[Cory Engelhardt]

As a veteran presence/platoon option, I wouldn't mind it at all.

As a starting 1B, and/or an impact bat, I think they will have to go the trade route. And I hope that happens.

[Linus]

Ok hissy fit alert.  I do not want to read about how our FO “prides itself on finding creative solutions”.  Waiting around every year so you can sign some decline phase vet for peanuts is hardly creative.  In fact it’s the opposite of creative.  It’s all the more maddening because we can’t develop our own prospects to be difference makers so you end up with…..average.  Let’s add Canha and go get those 82 wins.

[DJL44]

The defense is taking a downgrade, especially losing Kepler and Santana. I would prefer they add someone who is a good defender, like Bader, as a backup.

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Sure sign him, since it does seem the Twins are lacking in the DH department, still leaves a bench of Vazquez, Castro, Martin and 1 of (Julien/Helman/Keirsey/Gasper)

Does this move make the team better, IMO maybe slightly but not forcing a Gasper or Julien DH.

 

and on a side note does this site constantly cause your browser to crash?

Seems to me that Martin and Miranda generate same or better offense at like positions. Castro & Martin in corner OF spots v. lefties. I’m usually very pro veteran for depth but it seems that at 35 and peak year 6 years ago (2019) the Team should fill spot with youth or via trade for a REAL contributor (maybe just a 1B)?.

Grichuk, to me, made most sense for the cost….signed this week for $5M.

Canha’s defensive flexibility and MLB experience are attractive though. Miranda has a “reverse splits” bat so he isn’t very effective against LH pitching. Also, there needs to be an alternative at 1B…………..I’m hoping they can scrape by a couple months and maybe Keaschall could fill that roll?

[MinnInPa]

so sickening when its considered smart to sign someone that doesnt hit .250

[JD-TWINS]

8 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The defense is taking a downgrade, especially losing Kepler and Santana. I would prefer they add someone who is a good defender, like Bader, as a backup.

Can’t disagree on defensive losses. Bader, the previous 3 seasons, has OPS totals of .650 - .622 - .656 respectively. I think Kiersey fills CF depth and Martin/Castro in corners and shift focus elsewhere (maybe 1B).

[DJL44]

16 minutes ago, MinnInPa said:

so sickening when its considered smart to sign someone that doesnt hit .250

League average is .243

[stringer bell]

i wouldn't be surprised if the Twins have an offer out for Canha and it is in the $3M range. I wonder how much he is declining at age 36.

I think the biggest roster gap would be filled by Canha, so it would probably help the team to add him. Not a great move, but a functional one. 

[old nurse]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Sure sign him, since it does seem the Twins are lacking in the DH department, still leaves a bench of Vazquez, Castro, Martin and 1 of (Julien/Helman/Keirsey/Gasper)

Does this move make the team better, IMO maybe slightly but not forcing a Gasper or Julien DH.

 

and on a side note does this site constantly cause your browser to crash?

It does cause the iPad to crash and frequently to reboot. It seems like it does moreso whammy you stop and rethink about what you are posting and loses what you  were working on 

[LambchoP]

I think we could do better. A 35 year old corner OF/1b with no power and below average hitting? Just because he's right handed and could play the two positions we need help at, doesn't mean he would upgrade who we already have. Numbers are similar to what Martin or Keirsey could probably put up in the OF. Miranda will surely put hit him and maybe even Julien too. I say pass. Should be someone better available in FA or in a trade.

[old nurse]

13 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

League average is .243

The good old days when league average was a robust .260. Maybe some steroids to get it up to 270 again would be in order. 

[old nurse]

41 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Seems to me that Martin and Miranda generate same or better offense at like positions. Castro & Martin in corner OF spots v. lefties. I’m usually very pro veteran for depth but it seems that at 35 and peak year 6 years ago (2019) the Team should fill spot with youth or via trade for a REAL contributor (maybe just a 1B)?.

Grichuk, to me, made most sense for the cost….signed this week for $5M.

Canha’s defensive flexibility and MLB experience are attractive though. Miranda has a “reverse splits” bat so he isn’t very effective against LH pitching. Also, there needs to be an alternative at 1B…………..I’m hoping they can scrape by a couple months and maybe Keaschall could fill that roll?

I would have liked Grichuk. When he declined the 6 million option i figured he wa pricing himself out of markets. It is not like hee was going to get a 3/30 at his age.  I hope his agent pays him the money he lost out on 

[NYCTK]

54 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The defense is taking a downgrade, especially losing Kepler and Santana. I would prefer they add someone who is a good defender, like Bader, as a backup.

Yep, this team's defense was already mediocre to bad last season, and this season is shaping up to be ugly. 

A flyball heavy pitching staff and bad OF defense? What can go wrong? 

Cosign on Bader. Assume he still is able to get something like 5-7.5 million. And I think he's very clearly worth that. Plus, the Twins obsessed with platoons, he's hit significantly better against LHP in his career with a .328/.291 woba L/R split. 

[TopGunn#22]

I'm just not really interested in adding 35 year old guys who, while they supply a "floor" for performance, don't really have much in the way of "upside."  I'd rather see our young guys to what they can do.  If you're willing to accept mediocre you will BE mediocre.

Absent a Paddack for Mountcastle trade or a SWR and Paddack for Casas trade, assuming the Twins trade Paddack for "something" and shed his $7.5 million, I'd rather see a trade with Tampa for Yandy Diaz. 

Maybe Yandy Diaz (23.4) for SWR (19.9) straight up would work.

[Blyleven2011]

2 hours ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Sure sign him, since it does seem the Twins are lacking in the DH department, still leaves a bench of Vazquez, Castro, Martin and 1 of (Julien/Helman/Keirsey/Gasper)

Does this move make the team better, IMO maybe slightly but not forcing a Gasper or Julien DH.

 

and on a side note does this site constantly cause your browser to crash?

I'm glad someone brought up the Browser crashing , mine crashes all the time  , mostly when I'm typing a post  , I thought it was just me because I'd never heard any complaints before  ...

TD we have a problem  !!!

[Parfigliano]

52 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I think we could do better. A 35 year old corner OF/1b with no power and below average hitting? Just because he's right handed and could play the two positions we need help at, doesn't mean he would upgrade who we already have. Numbers are similar to what Martin or Keirsey could probably put up in the OF. Miranda will surely put hit him and maybe even Julien too. I say pass. Should be someone better available in FA or in a trade.

They already have better in the organization right now and they should try not signing an aged veteran for his "presence" and go with what they have.

 

[stringer bell]

Nit pick--Canha will be 36 in eight days. 2025 will be his age-36 season.

[tony&rodney]

Everyone is naturally going to have different ideas about where the Twins can improve upon their performance from a prior season. Sometimes there are multiple concerns such as SP, RH OF, etc.

When I thought about what I saw on the field last season, my main complaint was a general lack of athleticism and specifically poor to mediocre defense. I don't need to rely on statistics and analytics very much but a stopwatch helps occasionally. The TD Blueprint exercise has outlived its time based on the total absence of participation last November and that is fine. My goals were to improve the defense at a minimum and add a couple of younger players with some upside. Ultimately I was willing to gamble a  downside of 78 wins for an upside of 93 wins. This is quite a variance which often happens with less experienced players. The additions I'm reading about and the stand pat plan currently taken by Falvey looks like at least an 82 win team but could be 88 if things go right. 

Sometimes I find myself objecting to one player or another and realize it isn't the player so much as that the base competency returns mediocrity as a ceiling. I see the weaknesses of the Twins fringe players but feel they deserve an opportunity to lift themselves and the team. Manuel Margot was a good player for a long time but the Twins managed to use him to a level that highlighted the worst of his talents at a time when poor Manuel was down. These decisions are almost a parody of how the Twins use veterans on the downside of their careers.  So now Mark Canha is the latest name to float. A decent player three years ago, but still able to gain an MLB contract ..... for a team hoping to win half of its games.