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Washington Nationals: The Nats Should Be In On Mark Canha

By Max Rayman

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTMEBER 23: Mark Canha #20 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum on September 23, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 6-5. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTMEBER 23: Mark Canha #20 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum on September 23, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 6-5. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Mark Canha’s bat would go a long way inf mixing the Nationals offense.

Scott Boras’s comments to the media that Juan Soto won’t talk about signing an extension until he believes the team is set up to win on a yearly basis needs to be postered all over the Lerner’s office. Allowing Juan Soto to walk would be a travesty that would set the franchise back years while losing a majority of the fan base’s trust.

In that case, Washington needs to bolster the lineup, specifically adding guys that can help drive in runs. Splurging on one of the elite shortstops is an option, but signing a player attached to a qualifying offer is a bold move for a team that is still rebuilding.

Instead, the focus should be on depth players that thrive at a specific role, similar to how the Giants build their 107 win team. One player, in particular, that would be a major boost to the offense is Mark Canha.

Yesterday, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported that a market is heating up for the A’s slugger, with West Coast teams being extremely interested.

Josh Bell is entrenched at first, but the Nationals have an opening in left. Canha was a pivotal part of the Oakland A’s offense over the last seven seasons, adding 89 homers and 294 RBIs during that span. This past season, he hit .231, with 17 homers, 61 RBIs, and an OPS of .746. While his numbers don’t jump out at you, last year he would have ranked third on the team in RBIs and fourth in homers.

Most importantly, he thrives with runners in scoring position, hitting .292, with 2 homers, 40 RBIs, and an OPS of .792 in such opportunities last year. He also has a knack for getting on base, drawing 77 walks, while being hit 27 times.

Defensively, Canha took a step back last season, posting -10 DRS and a -3.7 UZR in left. In his career, he has -10 DRS, two outfield assists, and a 1.4 UZR in left. But he can play all three outfield positions in addition to first, and a player of his versatility doesn’t grow on teams.

Washington wouldn’t have to break the bank for Canha’s services, with the veteran making just under seven million last year in arbitration. Only 32, Canha will be looking for a multi-year deal in what is his last chance at a payday. Washington should offer a two-three-year deal in the $7-$10 million range per year.

Overall, Canha would provide another bat that can drive in runs and will help jumpstart the offense.

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