Mark Canha is coming home–and he’s very excited about it.
The 35-year-old was traded by the Detroit Tigers to the San Francisco Giants during the closing minutes of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline, bringing the San Jose native back to the Bay Area.
This isn’t Canha’s first time suiting up near his hometown as the outfielder/first basemen played for the Oakland Athletics from 2015-21 for now Giants manager Bob Melvin.
“I’m speechless,” Canha said by phone via The San Francisco Chronicle‘s Susan Slusser. “I’m so thrilled, so happy. I love playing for Bob Melvin, I love the Bay Area, I’m just over the moon right now. I can’t believe this happened.”
More on new SF Giants OF/1B Mark Canha
Canha was in the midst of his first season with the Tigers before being traded to San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon.
Over 93 appearances with Detroit, the right-handed hitter batted .231 with seven home runs, 38 RBI, and 42 walks in 377 at-bats. The ten-year veteran logged 33 games in the outfield, 31 games at first base, and 31 games at designated hitter—three roles he will likely fill once he joins the Giants.
Playing in San Francisco isn’t new to Canha, who has taken the field at Oracle Park 18 times as a visiting player during his career.
“I’ve always felt so comfortable there,” Canha said of his new home ballpark, where he holds a .322 batting average to go along with three home runs and 12 RBI over 70 plate appearances.
While Canha was unable to suit up for the Bay Bridge Series against his old squad, he’s expected to be active for the Giants’ weekend series in Cincinnati.
“I’ll have goosebumps when I get there,” Canha said. “I’m super excited.”
What is the upcoming San Francisco Giants Schedule?
- Friday, August 2nd-Sunday, August 4th – @ Cincinnati Reds
- Monday, August 5th-Thursday, August 8th – @ Washington Nationals
- Friday, August 9th-Sunday, August 11th – vs. Detroit Tigers
- Monday, August 12th-Thursday, August 15th– vs. Atlanta Braves
- Saturday, August 17th-Sunday, August 18th – @ Oakland Athletics
