As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Tigers have several potential trade candidates, with much of the focus on starting pitchers Jack Flaherty and Tarik Skubal. While Flaherty seems likely to be traded, Skubal does not. However, Detroit’s roster includes other players who could attract interest from contending teams. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that outfielder/first baseman Mark Canha, for instance, has a “robust” market and might be traded before the deadline.
Canha, 35, is earning $11.5 million this season and will become a free agent in the winter. He has posted a .236/.341/.361 slash line in 358 plate appearances, which is about 3% better than league average according to wRC+. Canha’s strikeout rate is below average at 19.8%, and his walk rate is comfortably above average at 11.2%. He has played both outfield corners and first base in 2024, providing competent, if not outstanding, defense at each position.
One key area where Canha excels is hitting against left-handed pitching. While his performance against right-handers has been underwhelming, with a .218/.319/.328 slash in 276 plate appearances, he has thrived against lefties, hitting .299/.415/.478 in 82 plate appearances (150 wRC+). Over the past couple of seasons, Canha has developed a more conventional platoon split, excelling against southpaws. In 248 plate appearances against lefties since last season, he boasts a .275/.379/.469 line.
Canha still has approximately $4.2 million remaining on his salary for this season, which will drop to $3.83 million by the trade deadline. Potential trade partners may hesitate to cover the full salary for a 35-year-old platoon player, but if the Tigers cover part of the salary, Canha could be an appealing addition for a contending team needing a productive right-handed bat.
While Canha is unlikely to fetch a major prospect in return, even if the Tigers cover most of his salary, he remains a valuable piece in the right role. Teams like the Cardinals, Reds, Royals, and Mariners, who have struggled against left-handed pitching this season, might be interested. The Braves, Astros, and Padres, all dealing with injuries to star outfielders, could also benefit from Canha’s versatility. The Phillies could pair him with Brandon Marsh in an outfield platoon.
Given Canha’s pending free agency and the Tigers’ status as sellers, there is a strong possibility he will be traded before the deadline.
