NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 02: Mark Canha #19 of the New York Mets rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field on July 02, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The New York Mets are facing some significant personnel decisions as they head toward the trade deadline following a disappointing winter rebuild, but one former fan favorite is facing a much different chapter in his baseball journey.
After spending more than a decade in the majors, veteran outfielder Mark Canha has made a surprising shift from what fans might be used to in his latest high-profile appearance, and it came with a report about when he will hang up his spikes for good.
New York Mets Former Outfielder Opens Up About Retirement Decision
Mets fans will recall that Canha was a starting outfielder for the team in 2022 and 2023, logging nearly 100 runs and starting more than 150 games at left field in that span. But after he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Justin Jarvis, Canha bounced around the major leagues before being released by the Texas Rangers earlier this year.
Recently, fans got the chance to see him again as he was a contestant in a new cooking competition.
“Canha, whose most recent major-league game was last year, traded in his bat and glove for some new gear, at least temporarily,” Jaylon Thompson reported for The Kansas City Star. “His uniform was different, too, as he went from wearing a sleek (Kansas City) Royals blue outfit to a smock befit for the kitchen… Canha appeared on Food Network’s new show, ‘100 Cooks,’ competing alongside some of the best home chefs in America.”
Though it marked a surprising turn for Canha, it did not necessarily mean the end of his baseball career. However, he indicated that he is close to officially retiring.
“Canha was released by the Rangers at the conclusion of spring training, but he isn’t quite ready to give up on his pro baseball career,” Thompson added. “He is trending toward retirement but will listen if a team calls.”
Former New York Mets Left Fielder Holds Out For Another MLB Chance
The comments suggest Canha has not officially closed the door on another major league opportunity, even if retirement has become an increasingly realistic possibility. Upon his release from the Rangers, it seemed like he would get another opportunity in affiliated baseball, particularly as he has nearly 900 hits across 11 big-league seasons with a variety of teams under his belt.
“The veteran has appeared in games with the Mets, Brewers, Tigers, Giants and Royals over the last three seasons, and he’ll look for another major-league opportunity in the near future,” CBS Sports reported in April.
The 37-year-old has built a reputation throughout his career as a dependable veteran capable of playing multiple outfield positions while providing on-base ability and clubhouse leadership.
Whether another club ultimately calls remains to be seen. For now, Canha appears content keeping both options open — continuing to wait for one more baseball opportunity while simultaneously preparing for whatever comes after his playing career officially reaches its formal conclusion.