Griffin Canning

Griffin Canning Bio

Griffin Alexander Canning is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets. Canning made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Angels and won a Gold Glove Award in 2020, showcasing his skills as a talented pitcher in the league.

Early Life and Background

Griffin Canning was born on May 11, 1996, in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where he played for the school’s baseball team as a pitcher. During his senior year, he achieved an impressive 11–3 win-loss record with a 1.51 earned run average (ERA) and recorded 123 strikeouts. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Orange County Register Pitcher of the Year. In his final game, Canning led his team to victory in the 2014 California Interscholastic Federation SS Division I Championship, striking out 11 batters and allowing only two hits. After high school, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft but chose to play college baseball instead. Canning attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he continued to develop his skills as a pitcher.

Path to Baseball

At UCLA, Griffin Canning made a significant impact on the baseball program. In his freshman year in 2015, he made 15 appearances with 11 starts, achieving a 7–1 record with a 2.97 ERA and 66 strikeouts. His performance earned him recognition, and he became UCLA’s number one starter in his sophomore year. Canning made 15 starts that season, finishing with a 5–8 record and a 3.70 ERA. He returned as the ace of the team in 2017, making 17 starts and posting a 7–4 record with a remarkable 2.34 ERA and 140 strikeouts. His impressive college career set the stage for his entry into professional baseball.

Griffin Canning Career

Early Career (2018-2019)

Griffin Canning was selected by the Los Angeles Angels with the 47th pick in the second round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Angels for a $1,459,200 signing bonus but did not pitch in 2017. Canning made his professional debut in 2018 with the Inland Empire 66ers of the High–A California League, where he pitched 8+2⁄3 scoreless innings before being promoted to the Mobile BayBears of the Double–A Southern League. He later moved up to the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League. In 25 starts across these teams, he recorded a 4–3 record with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. Canning returned to Salt Lake to start the 2019 season and was promoted to the major leagues on April 30, 2019. He made his MLB debut that night against the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out six batters over 4+1⁄3 innings pitched. Despite facing challenges with injuries, he finished his rookie season with a 5–6 record and a 4.58 ERA.

Breakthrough (2020-2021)

In 2020, Griffin Canning had a breakout season, going 2–3 with a 3.99 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 11 starts. His defensive skills were recognized as he tied for the American League lead among pitchers with three defensive runs saved, earning him his first Gold Glove Award that season. However, in 2021, Canning faced difficulties, finishing with a 5–4 record and a 5.60 ERA in 13 starts. He was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake and later missed the rest of the season due to a low back stress fracture.

Notable Works and Milestones

Canning’s signature achievement came in 2020 when he won the Gold Glove Award, highlighting his defensive prowess as a pitcher. His career has been marked by impressive strikeout numbers and a strong work ethic, making him a notable player in the league.