Padres Sign Griffin Canning Amid MLB Trade Speculation
The San Diego Padres have officially signed right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. This signing comes amid ongoing MLB trade speculation regarding the team’s rotation. Canning’s contract is contingent upon him passing a physical examination.
Griffin Canning: A Return to Southern California
Born in Mission Viejo, California, Canning has local ties, having played college baseball at UCLA. The 29-year-old previously spent his early Major League career with the Los Angeles Angels, where he recorded a 4.78 ERA over 508 innings across 99 games.
Though Canning was once seen as a top-100 prospect, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves after the 2022 season in exchange for Jorge Soler. However, Atlanta opted to non-tender him, leading Canning to sign a one-year contract worth $4.25 million with the New York Mets.
Injury Challenges and Recovery
During his time with the Mets, Canning posted a promising 2.47 ERA in his first nine appearances. Unfortunately, his performance dipped over the following outings, resulting in a 3.77 ERA before he suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in late June.
Reports suggest Canning is recovering well and aims to be ready for Opening Day or early April. He showcased his progress with a recent throwing session, posting a velocity of 93 mph.
Padres’ Rotation Dynamics
The Padres have faced significant challenges in their starting pitching department this offseason. Dylan Cease has left to join the Blue Jays, and Yu Darvish is expected to miss the entirety of the 2026 season due to recovery from surgery.
To enhance their rotation, the Padres re-signed Michael King and added Canning to a competition that includes Nick Pivetta, Randy Vasquez, JP Sears, and Joe Musgrove, who is returning from Tommy John surgery. Canning’s performance is expected to influence the roles of Vasquez or Sears, possibly relegating them to relief positions.
Contract and Financial Implications
- Canning’s dealings have yet to be fully disclosed, but his projected salary is expected to be similar to the $4.5 million he earned in 2025.
- The Padres already had a substantial budget, estimated at $220.9 million, which is slightly higher than the previous year.
- With Canning’s addition, San Diego’s payroll now exceeds the second tier of luxury tax penalization, which starts at $264 million.
As Canning joins the Padres, his health and ability to rediscover his pre-injury form will be critical for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
