Mark Canha Quietly Has Put Together Elite Statistical Season for A's

Mark Canha hasn't just been good this season. He's been elite.

The A's utility man doesn't get the opportunity to start every day, but when he's in the lineup, he's as productive as just about anyone in the American League.

Canha, 30, has hit 10 home runs in just 109 at-bats this season. That rate of a home run every 10.9 at-bats is tied for fourth-best in the AL among players with at least 100 plate appearances. He ranks ahead of top sluggers like Mike Trout, Alex Bregman, and Edwin Encarnacion, just to name a few.

While Canha's batting average is only .239, his .366 on-base percentage leads the A's, as does his .550 slugging percentage. Canha's .916 OPS ranks 12th in the American League (min. 125 plate appearances), and he's only 18 points out of eighth.

This type of production isn't completely new for Canha, at least against left-handed pitching. Last season, Canha tore up southpaws to the tune of a .282/.337/.604 slash line with 13 home runs in 149 at-bats. However, those numbers came way down against right-handers, against whom he recorded just a .665 OPS.

This year, Canha is hammering lefties and righties alike. His OPS against left-handers is actually down a bit to a still solid .866, but his OPS against right-handers is up to .946, nearly 300 points higher than last season.

In fact, seven of Canha's 10 home runs have come against right-handed pitching, compared to just four of 17 last year. He is proving that he can now handle any pitcher.

Canha has shown terrific plate discipline as well, reaching base via walk or hit by pitch 23 times in 134 plate appearances. His 14.2 percent walk rate is 11th-best in the American League among players with at least 100 plate appearances.

[RELATED: Why A's travel plans from Texas to Florida were derailed]

Canha also ranks in the top 15 in the AL in weighted on-base average and weighted runs created plus. His 1.1 WAR is tied for third among A's hitters, despite starting in only 30 of the team's 66 games.

From just about any statistical standpoint, Canha has proven to be one of the most productive hitters in the league this season.

Copyright CSNBY - CSN BAY
Contact Us