Former Mets Outfielder Nears End Of Career After Surprise Appearance
Former Mets outfielder Mark Canha, a fan favorite from 2022-2023, recently surprised many with an appearance on Food Network's "100 Cooks" after his release from the Texas Rangers. Trading his baseball uniform for a chef's smock, Canha's new role comes as he contemplates his future in MLB. Though he's "trending toward retirement," the veteran, known for his dependability and versatility across 11 major league seasons with various teams, hasn't officially closed the door. Canha stated he will listen if another team calls, balancing the hope for one more opportunity with preparing for life beyond his playing career.
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.
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."
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.