The San Diego Padres have signed right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning, which marks a notable move for the team. Canning’s contract will be finalized after he passes a physical. With a full 40-man roster, the Padres will need to create space for him.
Canning, a California native and former UCLA player, previously played for the Los Angeles Angels. His Major League career began with mixed results—his ERA stood at 4.78 over 508 innings. Canning was once a top-100 prospect, but injuries and performance struggles led to a trade to the Braves, who eventually released him to manage their payroll.
Last season, he signed with the Mets for a one-year deal worth $4.25 million. He showed promise with a 2.47 ERA in his first nine games, but a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon cut his time short. Nevertheless, Canning remains optimistic about being ready for Opening Day, recently showcasing his skill and hitting 93 mph on the radar gun.
The Padres have faced challenges in their starting rotation this offseason. With key players like Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish unavailable, Canning’s addition is essential. He joins a mix of pitchers, including Michael King and Nick Pivetta. If he is healthy, Canning could push others into relief roles.
In 2025, Canning demonstrated improvement, boasting a 50.9% ground ball rate—up from 39.5% in Anaheim. However, his hard-hit ball rate was concerning, ranking in the lowest percentile among pitchers. His 10.7% walk rate was also the highest of his career, indicating areas for growth.
There’s hope that playing under the Padres can help rejuvenate his career. Canning’s health will be key; he’s had a stress fracture in his back before, sidelining him for the entire 2022 season.
As for his contract terms, while the exact figures are not disclosed, it’s likely he’ll earn around $4.5 million, aligning with the Padres’ strategy to stay within budget. Currently, their projected payroll is about $220.9 million, with a luxury tax number reaching $265.48 million, slightly higher than last year’s figures.
Canning’s journey reflects the ups and downs of professional sports. Fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his promise and contribute to the Padres’ ambitions this season.
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