Giants Cap off Deadline With Trade for Mark Canha

Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

July 30, 2024

The San Francisco Giants made one final deal “at the buzzer” to add veteran outfielder Mark Canha. The 35-year-old San Jose native makes a return to the Bay Area after playing under current Giants manager Bob Melvin for seven seasons while on the Oakland Athletics.

Canha has bounced around the past few seasons, spending time with the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, and in 2024 the Detroit Tigers. This year he’s slashing .231/.337/.350 with .687 OPS, along with seven home runs and 38 RBIs.

Canha Joins Crowded San Francisco Outfield

Outside of familiarity with skipper Bob Melvin, the move comes off as a bit of a head-scratcher. The Giants had arguably the biggest and most intriguing trade piece on the market that had as many as six teams call in for– the reigning Cy Young Award winner, Blake Snell. They held onto Snell and moved off from veteran RHP Alex Cobb. This comes on the heels of sending a pair of former Atlanta Braves back to Georgia.

The Jorge Soler deal was more than a likely way to dump salary. As for the deal to acquire Canha, it shows a minimal attempt to make a push for a crowded NL wild-card race. The Giants’ outfield currently consists of All-Star Heliot Ramos, red-hot Mike Yastremski, Michael Conforto, utility man Tyler Fitzgerald, and Derek Hill.

The Giants have since recalled No. 3 prospect Marco Luciano. He’s expected to get time at the DH position after defensive struggles and Soler’s departure, as well as utility man Blake Sabol.

Detroit’s Return for Canha

After dealing starting pitcher Jack Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Tigers were also able to ship away Canha. He’s producing some of the lowest offensive numbers of his career in the final year of a three-year contract. In return, they get RHP Eric Silva who’s spent the season with San Francisco’s Double-A affiliate Richmond.