Newest Brewer Sparkplug Looking to Sign Extension

He may go down as the most impactful trade deadline acquisition of the 2023 baseball season. When the Milwaukee Brewers traded for veteran outfielder Mark Canha from the New York Mets, they were bringing in what they figured was a league-average hitter (OPS+ of 100) with a .245 batting mark, 6 HR and 29 RBIs in 89 games. 

But what they've gotten so far in the nine-year veteran is a 30% above average hitter, with a .296 average, and run production that matches or surpasses his Mets stats in just half the number of games. He's really ramped it up over the past month, batting .321 with a .907 OPS. 

Mark Canha since joining the Brewers (46 G):

🟡 .296 AVG
🟡 5 HR
🟡 32 RBI
🟡 .839 OPS

Milwaukee has already clinched a postseason spot pic.twitter.com/6bb14mzaU3

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 25, 2023

The Brewers have an $11.5M club option on Canha for 2024 or can otherwise buy him out for $2M and let him become a free agent.

But Canha has already made it clear that he wants to stay in Milwaukee. 

I think this organization just really does it—quote unquote—"right".  It’s just a place that has a good feel and a good idea of how to win ballgames and how to construct rosters….At this point in my career, when you’ve been in a bunch of different situations, year to year, you appreciate that.

Since Canha's arrival, the Brew Crew have gone 31-18, and taken over as the runaway leader atop the NL Central Division. 

Photo: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports