The 2025 MLB season is just over a month from starting as the spring training schedule continues. While the Philadelphia Phillies are hard at work this spring, now is a good time to check in and see what some of their NL East rivals are up to.
After all, the NL East is one of the Majors' most competitive divisions, highlighted by the Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets all winning between 89 and 95 games last season. Looking to separate themselves from the competition, one of Philadelphia's rivals just pulled off a last-minute spring training deal.
Phillies News: Mets Acquire OF Alexander Canario From Cubs
On Tuesday, ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported that the Mets have acquired outfielder Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. The Cubs designated the 24-year-old right-handed bat for assignment last week to open a roster spot for veteran designated hitter Justin Turner, per Rogers.
The Cubs have traded OF Alexander Canario to the Mets for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN. Canario, 24, was DFA’d by the Cubs last week.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 25, 2025
Canario began his MLB journey by signing as an international free agent with the San Francisco Giants in 2016. He spent just over five years in the organization before being traded alongside pitcher Caleb Kilian to the Cubs in exchange for third baseman Kris Bryant ahead of the 2021 deadline.
The 2023 campaign finally marked Canario's MLB debut, however, he's failed to secure a roster spot since then. He played only 21 games (45 at-bats) with the Cubs across the last two seasons, registering two home runs, eight RBIs, and a .286/.333/.524 slash line.
While those numbers aren't terrible, they also don't tell the full story. Canario's poor vision is one reason he hasn't carved out a bigger role, having struck out in 42.2% of plate appearances to begin his career. For comparison, Baseball Reference lists the average MLB strikeout rate in 2024 at 22.7%.
In other words, Canario likely isn't someone who Phillies fans should be worried about unless he completely turns his game around.
The Phillies and Mets haven't met since the NL East rivals faced off in a 2024 Division Series showdown, ending in New York advancing in four games. Fans of both franchises must wait a while for the first rematch, though, as the Phillies and Mets won't square off until their three-game series at Citi Field, beginning on Monday, Apr. 21.