On Monday night, the Mets made a late move, acquiring outfielder from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. The 24-year-old had been designated for assignment last Thursday, and instead of letting him hit waivers, the Mets acted quickly to bring him aboard, seeing potential in Canario before another team could claim him.
To make room for Canario on the roster, the Mets placed infielder Nick Madrigal on the 60-day injured list.
A Power Bat With Some Concerning Strikeout Numbers
Alexander Canario only played 15 games in the majors last season but made the most of his limited chances, posting a solid .280/.357/.440 slash line with a home run and two RBIs. His true production came in Triple-A, where he hit .243/.336/.514, blasting 18 home runs and driving in 47 RBIs over 64 games.
Canario’s biggest strength is his power, ranking among the best in the league for barrel percentage and bat speed, even with a small sample size. If he can improve his plate discipline, the Mets could have an intriguing prospect on their hands.
However, the major issue is his strikeout rate. Canario struck out 30.4% of the time in Triple-A and an alarming 39.3% in the majors. If he wants to stay at the big-league level, cutting down on the swing-and-miss will be crucial.
Versatility in the Outfield
In addition to his bat, Alexander Canario brings valuable defensive flexibility. He’s played all three outfield positions and has been competent at each, which makes him a useful depth piece for a Mets team that could use more options behind its regular starters.
At just 24 years old, Canario still has room to develop into more than just a stash-and-see player. If he can reduce his strikeouts while maintaining his power, the Mets may have found a hidden gem for a minimal cost.
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