The Detroit Tigers Acquire Mark Canha from Milwaukee

Detroit has started the off-season aggressively, trading minor league right-handed reliever Blake Holub to the Milwaukee Brewers for veteran right-handed outfielder Mark Canha. Canha, who played for both the New York Mets and the Brewers last season, exemplifies the versatility and strike zone control that Scott Harris, Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations, values in a player.

The Tigers just traded for Mark Canha to bolster their offense

Canha, 34, had a solid season split between the Mets and Brewers, playing in 139 games and batting .262 with an on-base percentage of .355 and slugging .400. He knocked 25 doubles, one triple, and launched 11 homers, driving in 62 runs. Known for making contact, Canha struck out just 15.6% of the time, which is pretty impressive—placing him in the top 15% of players. He's also got a keen eye for a good pitch, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio that puts him in the top 17%. In the Wild Card round against Arizona, he hit .375 across two games.

Canha has shown in the past he can play all over the diamond, seeing time at both first base and third base, but it appears the Tigers may use him in both corner outfield spots. If you look at his spray chart, it looks like he would be a good fit at Comerica Park.

The Detroit Tigers' pitching development staff has made significant strides in recent years, highlighting the depth of their minor league system. The Brewers are acquiring a promising relief prospect in right-hander Blake Holub. Holub was instrumental in leading the Tigers’ Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves, to their first Eastern League championship. After posting a 1.80 ERA in 25 innings of work with a K per 9 of 11.5 at High-A West Michigan, he threw 40.1 innings with Erie, striking out 44.

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