After a busy MLB offseason that saw them agree to a 15-year, $765 million contract with Juan Soto, the New York Mets have stayed active during spring training. Announcing a trade with the Chicago Cubs on Monday, New York bolstered its outfield depth.
“We have acquired OF Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations,” the team announced . “In a corresponding move, INF Nick Madrigal has been placed on the 60-Day IL.”
Canario is a 24-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic who appeared in just 21 games for Chicago between 2023 and 2024. That said, the right-handed hitter owns a career .857 OPS in 45 plate appearances, which is an impressive number despite the very small sample size.
Just two days after Canario was acquired, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza made an announcement on the injured Starling Marte. Per Mendoza, the two-time All-Star outfielder still does not have a target date for his spring debut.
“No word on when Starling Marte (right knee still) will get into Grapefruit League games,” Tim Healey of Newsday Sports reported on X. “Carlos Mendoza said he has ‘some good days, some not so good’ in his running progression. The Mets remain confident he physically can be a major-leaguer still.”
No word on when Starling Marte (right knee still) will get into Grapefruit League games.
Carlos Mendoza said he has "some good days, some not so good" in his running progression.
The Mets remain confident he physically can be a major-leaguer still.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 26, 2025
The uncertainty surrounding Marte could create an additional opportunity for Canario. While New York has veteran options in the outfield, Canario could be an intriguing piece if he can build on his limited, yet strong MLB production thus far.
After Wednesday’s loss to the Miami Marlins the Mets are just 1-4 this spring.
