If the SF Giants are targeting a veteran outfielder, one reunion could make sense

The SF Giants are reportedly eyeing veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk according to Robert Murray of FanSided. If they are motivated to add a fourth outfielder, then bringing back Mark Canha could make some sense.

If the SF Giants are targeting a veteran outfielder, one reunion could make sense

This is based on the assumption that the Giants still view Canha as a serviceable outfielder. When he came over from the Detroit Tigers, the 10-year veteran only made a handful of appearances in the outfield. He also made one appearance at third base, which I just do not remember at all.

Canha is still a decent runner, so foot speed is not so much of an issue. He would check off many of the same boxes as Grichuk at a lower cost. Grichuk is coming off of a strong year at the plate and could be in line for a multi-year deal.

On the other hand, Canha will be entering his age-36 season in 2025, so he is likely in the market only for a one-year deal if he aims to continue his playing career.

The Giants have a need for another right-handed-hitting outfield. Both Grichuk and Canha check that box. It bears mentioning that Canha's spot on the roster would be a bit more fungible than someone like Grichuk, so the Giants could more easily move him if someone like Luis Matos forces their hand for playing time. They will want to thread the needle between upgrading the bench and not blocking someone like Matos from getting playing time if needed. Canha helps thread that needle a little better.

At this stage of his career, Canha does not add a ton of value on either side of the ball. Though, he does still bring an excellent at-bat quality and has a knack for reaching base at a high rate.

The veteran hitter posted a .376 on-base percentage during his time with San Francisco. That number might be a tad inflated due to a sample of only 85 plate appearances, but he has reached base in nearly 35 percent of his plate appearances throughout his career.

Plus, Canha is a platoon bat that the Giants could pair with Mike Yastrzemski. Canha has recorded a .774 OPS in his career against left-handed pitchers, so he would be a natural platoon partner to the left-handed-hitting Yastrzemski.

Of course, it bears mentioning that Canha grew up in the Bay Area and spent the first seven years of his career with the Oakland A's while Bob Melvin was the manager. It is no secret that Melvin pushed for the Giants to add Canha.

It may not be a perfect fit but Canha is the type of player the Giants are targeting and would not necessarily block anyone from playing time in a platoon role.