Los Angeles Angels right-hander Griffin Canning came into the 2024 season with high expectations after impressing his manager during spring training. However, his performance has not lived up to the hype, with a 5.41 ERA, the highest among qualified American League pitchers. Canning’s strikeout rate has dropped, his walks are up, and he has allowed an AL-worst 80 earned runs.
At 28 years old and five years into his MLB career, Canning’s regression in 2024 has raised questions about his future with the Angels. Despite showing potential as the team’s top pitching prospect in 2019, Canning has struggled to repeat his success this season. His fastball velocity has dipped, affecting the effectiveness of his pitches, especially in the first inning where he has a 9.36 ERA.
While Canning has had some good starts, the inconsistency of his performance has put the Angels in a difficult spot. With other young pitchers also facing issues, the team may have to decide whether to tender Canning a contract for next year. Despite his struggles, Canning remains optimistic and determined to improve.
Ultimately, Canning’s performance over the next few weeks will determine his future with the Angels. The team must weigh his potential against his results from the 2024 season and make a decision on his role moving forward. Canning understands the challenges of the game but remains focused on making the necessary adjustments to succeed in the future.
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