Spring Training has already become a whirlwind for one of the Atlanta Braves biggest rivals.
The New York Mets entered the spring hoping to build off the momentum of an unexpected National League Championship Series appearance last season and added to the hype by signing of Juan Soto. But the injury bug has already hit the Mets twice in the opening weeks as Sean Manea suffered an oblique strain and Nick Madrigal was sidelined with a fractured shoulder blade.
With the injuries piling up, the Mets hit the trade market and came down with a last-minute deal with the Chicago Cubs Monday night.
Mets Acquire Depth Outfielder in Spring Training Trade With Cubs
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Mets have acquired outfielder Alexander Canario from the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. Canario was designated for assignment by the Cubs last week and could fill a depth role for the Mets in the final weeks of Spring Training.
The Cubs have traded OF Alexander Canario to the Mets for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN. Canario, 24, was DFA’d by the Cubs last week.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 25, 2025
Canario was a key piece in the 2021 trade that sent Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants and spent just under four seasons with the Cubs organization. While Canario had a respectable .261/.346/.501 line in the minors, it came with an all-or-nothing mentality, compiling a 26.3% strikeout rate during his career.
Those issues became worse in 2023 when Canario suffered shoulder and ankle injuries during a play at first base while playing for Àguilas Cibeñas in the Dominican Winter League. Canario returned to play in 64 games for Triple-A Iowa, hitting .243/.336/.514 with 18 homers and 47 RBI but it came with 86 strikeouts in 283 plate appearances – a 30.3% strikeout rate.
The 24-year-old has some major league experience, hitting .286/.333/.524 with two homers and eight RBI in 21 games, but he was out of minor league options. He also wasn’t going to make Chicago’s Opening Day roster with Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki and Vidal Bruján as corner outfield options.
If anything, the trade represents a chance for the Mets to take a high-upside flier while creating corner outfield depth. Brandon Nimmo dealt with plantar fasciitis in his left foot throughout the 2024 season and is slated to miss the opening weeks of the Grapefruit League as he takes his recovery slowly. The Mets also have Starling Marte on the roster but Canario will likely battle Tyrone Taylor for a roster spot as both players are out of options.
Overall, this is unlikely to be a seismic move unless Canario cuts down on his strikeouts and goes on a power surge in the majors. But it’s something to keep an eye on as the clubs go in two opposite directions healthwise entering the 2025 season.