New York Mets’ Griffin Canning: A Potential Fantasy Baseball Steal in 2025

Griffin Canning: A Sleeper Arm in the New York Mets Rotation?

The Betting Angle: Can Canning Provide Value?

Canning is not a household name, but as a back-end rotation arm for the Mets in 2025, he presents intriguing value—especially in fantasy drafts and betting markets. If you’re looking for innings, strikeouts, and win potential, Canning could be a late-round steal. With the Mets’ power-packed offense, he may not need to dominate to rack up victories.

The key question: Can Canning be serviceable enough to capitalize on run support? If the Mets put up six or seven runs a night, he may only need five solid innings to be a worthwhile fantasy and betting asset.

Rotation Uncertainty: Can He Stick?

The Mets’ rotation is a work in progress due to early injuries, which gives Canning a window to prove himself. With Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas out to start the season, Canning has an opportunity to seize a rotation spot.

The challenge is what happens when those arms return:

• Manaea (late April to May) and Montas (May to June) could push him to the bullpen.

• David Peterson is currently the No. 2 starter, but his job security is also shaky.

• Canning must pitch well early to maintain his spot.

If Canning struggles in April, he could easily become a long-relief or spot-start guy, which would crush his betting and fantasy value.

Performance Expectations: Can He Survive the NL East?

Canning’s 2024 numbers weren’t elite, but his strikeout potential keeps him relevant. If he can give the Mets five to six innings per start with an ERA in the mid-4s, that’s usable production in the right matchups.

• 2024 Stats: 130 Ks, 4.50 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, limited innings

• Projected 2025 Line: 140-150 Ks, 4.20-4.60 ERA, 8-12 wins (if he stays in the rotation)

Given the Mets’ run-scoring potential, he could win games even with mediocre performances. That’s huge for betting markets, where pitchers with high-win potential but mid-tier ERAs can be undervalued.

Mets’ Offense: Can They Carry Him to Wins?

The Mets’ lineup has the firepower to make any starter a sleeper pick for wins. With Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo, Canning could easily find himself in high-scoring affairs where his performance doesn’t need to be perfect.

Potential offensive factors helping Canning:

• Mets will put up runs – Expect plenty of 7-5, 6-4 type games.

• Run support could bail him out even if he allows 3-4 runs early.

• Even five-inning outings could be enough for wins if the Mets’ bullpen holds leads.

Final Verdict: Buy or Sell Canning in 2025?

Canning is a lottery ticket with upside. If you’re betting on him to be a full-season rotation piece, the risk is high. But if you’re looking for early-season value before the Mets’ rotation gets healthy, he’s worth a flyer.

• Buying: If you believe he can stick in the rotation and capitalize on the Mets’ offense.

• Selling: If you’re worried he’s a placeholder until the Mets’ injured arms return.

For now, Canning is a speculative bet, but in the right matchups, he could be a sneaky value play in fantasy and betting markets.

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