By Sunday 
New York Adds Outfield Depth While Dealing with Injury Woes
The New York Mets wasted no time addressing their early spring training injury concerns, acquiring outfielder Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs on Monday night in exchange for cash. The move bolsters the Mets’ outfield depth, especially with roster uncertainty looming ahead of Opening Day.
Canario Brings Upside to the Mets’ Outfield
Canario, who turns 25 in May, made his major league debut for the Cubs in September 2023. Over parts of two seasons, he has posted a solid .286 batting average (12-for-42) with two home runs, eight RBIs, and an impressive .857 OPS in 21 games.
Originally acquired by the Cubs in the 2021 trade that sent four-time All-Star Kris Bryant to San Francisco, Canario was recently designated for assignment after Chicago signed veteran infielder Justin Turner. Now, he has a fresh opportunity with the Mets, who could use his right-handed bat and versatility in the outfield.
Nick Madrigal’s Injury Opens Roster Spot
As part of the roster shuffle, the Mets placed infielder Nick Madrigal on the 60-day injured list after he suffered a broken left shoulder during a spring training game on Sunday. The 27-year-old was competing for a bench role but will now face an extended recovery.
Madrigal’s injury opened the door for Canario’s acquisition, giving the Mets flexibility as they navigate injuries and finalize their roster before the season begins.
A Smart Depth Move for New York
With uncertainty surrounding their lineup depth, the Mets’ front office acted swiftly to secure Canario, who still has plenty of potential to develop. While not a blockbuster move, adding a young and controllable player like Canario could pay dividends, especially if he gets regular at-bats in New York.
The Mets will continue monitoring their injury situation, but for now, Canario’s arrival provides an extra layer of security as the team prepares for the grind of a long season.