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What the Mets Get with Alexander Canario

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 2:31 AM ET

Late on February 24, the Mets announced that Alexander Canario was acquired via trade from the Cubs. Canario, acquired by the Cubs four years ago, turned into a prolific power hitter. But, he also has flaws.

A Look at Canario

Ex-Cubs outfielder Alexander Canario was one of two players shipped from San Francisco to Chicago in the Kris Bryant trade almost four years ago. The trade, on the Cubs’ end, hasn’t yielded significant dividends.

The other piece in the trade, Caleb Kilian, received time on the Cubs’ MLB roster each of the last three seasons. However, the 27-year-old, armed with a cutting four-seamer and “slutter” of a cut-fastball, has yet to carve out a role in the Chicago pen. Canario, meanwhile, was DFA’d after the team signed infielder Justin Turner.

Canario put up big numbers in the Minors, highlighted by a 37-home run campaign in 2022. An IL stint limited him to 53 games in 2023 but he still slashed a respectable .273/.356/.488 (.844 OPS) with nine home runs in the Minors. The Cubs called him up late in the 2023 season.

Between 2023-24, Canario hit .286/.333/.524 (.857 OPS) with two home runs and 12 hits across 45 MLB plate appearances.

The 24-year-old is an impressive specimen; the 5’11” outfielder boasts plus-plus raw power, something easily visible on the field and on the stat-sheet. His bat speed (78 MPH) also ranked as significantly above the league-average.

Canario’s main issue is his swing-and-miss trouble. The former Cub has a big, long swing and nothing more truly has to be said about it. The swing length (8.5” average in 2023, 8.0” in 2024) is very long, which can be quite the issue when it comes to catching up on fastballs — or just avoiding whiffs, in general.

While he whiffed on virtually every offering in 2024, Canario had a .176 average against fastballs at the MLB level.

The Mets confirmed late on February 24 that Alexander Canario was acquired for cash considerations. In a corresponding move, the Mets moved Nick Madrigal to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man roster spot. Madrigal sustained a dislocated shoulder this past weekend.

We have acquired OF Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

In a corresponding move, INF Nick Madrigal has been placed on the 60-Day IL.
— New York Mets (@Mets) February 25, 2025

Analysis

The Cubs had no room for Canario at the MLB level. Chicago’s outfield is set, with Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong (the ex-Met prospect), and Kyle Tucker as the starting trio for 2025. Seiya Suzuki moves to the DH slot full-time for 2025. Additionally, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, and James Triantos are all outfield options for the future.

Thus, Canario — who has an option left — now goes to the Mets. However, don’t expect Canario to make it on the team’s Opening Day roster, unless numerous injuries arise. Between Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor, Starling Marte, Juan Soto, and Brandon Nimmo, the Mets themselves have plenty of depth.

It’s not hard to see why the Mets wanted Canario. His ability to drive the ball when he makes contact is impressive. And, provided the Mets can keep him on the 40-man roster, there’s little risk.

However, Canario’s future value will ultimately be tied to whether his swing can work at the MLB level. Yes, the 24-year-old had success in limited action. But even in his short cameos, Canario posted 40+% Whiff% against every pitch type, with the exception of the cutter.

His vicious swing has perks but also flaws. Which, now the Mets will look to take advantage of in their system.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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