Canning’s Stellar Return Boosts Mets Over Cardinals After Illness

Griffin Canning’s remarkable transformation has shifted him from a perceived risk to a pivotal piece of the New York Mets’ rotation. Once cast off by the Los Angeles Angels after a disappointing 2023 season, the right-handed pitcher has found new life in Queens.

His latest performance, a dominant outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, exemplifies the brilliance he’s rediscovered under the guidance of the Mets’ coaching staff. Let’s dive into how Canning’s adaptability, strategic pitching, and mental resilience have made him one of the brightest surprises of the early 2024 MLB season.

The Risky Gamble That Paid Off

After being non-tendered by the Angels, Griffin Canning’s career seemed to be veering off course. The Mets, however, saw something worth salvaging and signed him in the offseason for $4.25 million.

This move raised eyebrows, as Canning was coming off arguably the worst season of his career. But the Mets, known for revitalizing pitchers like Luis Severino and Sean Manaea, believed they could unlock his potential.

The gamble on Canning is already yielding dividends. His early performances in 2024, including his standout game against the Cardinals, highlight why the Mets’ front office saw promise where others saw a gamble.

Overcoming Early Adversity

Canning’s road to this breakout hasn’t been easy. An illness disrupted the Mets’ rotation earlier this week, forcing some reshuffling, which left Canning in a less-than-ideal situation heading into Friday’s game.

Add to that a shaky start—two walks in the first inning and a run allowed in the third—and you’d think this might be another rough night for the Mets’ new pitcher. But Canning wouldn’t let adversity define his outing.

Instead, he made critical adjustments and settled in, retiring the final nine batters he faced. By the time he left the mound, Canning had allowed just three hits over six innings, striking out eight and posting a Game Score of 68—the second-highest by any Mets starter this season.

How the Mets Helped Revitalize Canning’s Pitching

The resurgence of Griffin Canning can largely be attributed to the Mets’ coaching philosophy, which emphasizes refining a pitcher’s strengths rather than overhauling their mechanics entirely. For Canning, this meant focusing on his best pitches—his slider and changeup—while also making subtle refinements to his arsenal.

Once notorious for being too predictable on the mound, Canning has worked with the staff to introduce an element of unpredictability to his game. His approach on Friday perfectly demonstrated this adaptability.

Against the Cardinals, he started with an offspeed-heavy mix of sliders and changeups. But when hitters began sitting on those pitches, Canning pivoted, increasing his fastball usage to keep St. Louis off balance.

A New Level of Strategic Pitching

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Canning’s resurgence has been his ability to think ahead and adjust in real time. He’s no longer just relying on raw stuff; he’s playing chess against hitters, studying their tendencies and countering them mid-game.

This level of strategy allows him to not only limit baserunners but also rack up strikeouts, which is evidenced by his significantly improved strikeout rate compared to 2023. His numbers through four starts this season speak volumes.

Canning’s 3.43 ERA is nearly two runs lower than last year, and his ability to consistently generate swings and misses has turned him into an anchor for the Mets’ rotation. Beyond statistics, teammates and coaches have lauded his resilience and creativity—two qualities that have made him incredibly valuable to the club.

What’s Next for Griffin Canning and the Mets

If this trajectory continues, Griffin Canning could emerge as one of the best signings of the offseason. At a relatively modest price of $4.25 million, the Mets are getting elite-level production out of a pitcher many had written off just months ago.

Canning’s adaptability on the mound—not just in pitch selection but also in his ability to work through adversity—has given the Mets a reliable option when injuries and concerns about rotation depth surface. The Mets’ investment in Canning illustrates how important coaching, confidence, and creativity are in baseball.

With his talent now aligning with the mental and strategic aspects of his game, Griffin Canning is proving the skeptics wrong and showing that his ceiling may still be higher than anyone thought.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Canning bounces back from illness to pitch like an ace vs. Cards