In the 2024-2025 offseason, the New York Mets took an unconventional approach by passing up on marquee free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, who commanded a combined $392 million in contracts elsewhere. Instead, the Mets invested just $4.25 million on Griffin Canning, a struggling former Angels right-hander. This unexpected pitch gamble has paid dividends as Canning has emerged midseason as a leading force in the Mets’ rotation, challenging the value of the massive deals signed by other teams in the league.

While the Arizona Diamondbacks secured Corbin Burnes with a $210 million contract and the Los Angeles Dodgers locked up Blake Snell for $182 million, the Mets quietly chose not to pursue either. Instead, they took a calculated risk on Canning, whose previous season was marred by poor performance and high run allowance. As the 2025 season progressed, Canning reversed expectations, hinting that the Mets’ conservative financial move may have outwitted their rivals’ expensive signings.

Griffin Canning’s Dramatic Turnaround from Struggles to Stability

Last year, Griffin Canning endured a challenging campaign with the Angels, posting a disappointing 5.19 ERA and leading the American League in runs allowed, with 99 surrendered by late August. During a difficult July 25 game against the Detroit Tigers, Canning was pulled early after allowing seven earned runs and multiple walks, prompting many to view him as a pitcher in decline. His outings to follow, including a poor performance against the Seattle Mariners, cemented the perception of his faltering trajectory.

Despite that, the Mets identified potential beneath the surface. They focused not on Canning’s alarming numbers but on the quality of his pitch mechanics and raw talent. Recognizing the need for adjustments rather than dismissal, they signed him to a one-year contract with an emphasis on rebuilding his confidence and refining his arsenal. Since joining New York, Canning has demonstrated marked improvement in command and pitch sequencing, featuring a sharper slider and more effective fastball usage.

In May, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, he delivered seven scoreless innings, allowing only four hits while effectively dismantling their lineup. This performance represented a clear shift from last year’s struggles, illustrating his growth into a pitcher who attacks hitters rather than merely survives. Canning’s home run rate and walk numbers have declined, and his composed demeanor on the mound contrasts significantly with his previous inconsistency.

Comparing the Mets’ Gamble to Burnes’ and Snell’s Season Outcomes

As Griffin Canning solidifies his role for the Mets, his counterparts, Burnes and Snell, have faced setbacks that underscore the risks inherent in their massive contract commitments. Corbin Burnes is sidelined for the season following Tommy John surgery, while Blake Snell has only managed two starts this year. Injuries and limited playing time have hampered their ability to justify their combined $392 million investment, emphasizing the contrast with the Mets’ modest expenditure on a high-performing pitcher.

Canning’s record of 6-2 and a 3.22 ERA halfway through the season highlights how a low-cost, carefully evaluated signing can outshine even the highest-paid pitchers when durability and availability come into play. This vindicates the Mets’ approach of focusing on value rather than headline-grabbing free-agent contracts, an approach that has helped stabilize their rotation and keep them competitive heading toward the postseason.

Why the Mets’ Pitching Decision Could Influence Future Free Agent Strategies

The Mets’ success with Griffin Canning reveals a broader lesson for baseball teams navigating the free-agent pitching market: investing enormous sums does not guarantee dependable production, especially considering the injury risks for pitchers. Their approach underscores the benefit of scouting beneath surface statistics to unearth undervalued talent with room to develop and rebound.

Canning’s turnaround has been built on improved pitch mix, mental resilience, and precise execution, qualities that the Mets’ front office prioritized when signing him. This method offers a blueprint for teams aiming to maximize performance while minimizing financial risk in a market that increasingly rewards big-money contracts.

Looking ahead, Canning’s continued contribution will be critical for the Mets’ playoff aspirations, providing both a reliable arm and a symbol of smart team-building. The contrasting fates of Burnes, Snell, and Canning provide a cautionary tale for others considering the balance between luxury spending and opportunistic acquisitions in Major League Baseball.