Yankees Reveal Interest in Mets’ $4.25M Starter Griffin Canning

The New York Yankees showed significant interest in signing Griffin Canning during the recent offseason, but he ultimately chose to join the rival New York Mets on a one-year, $4.25 million deal. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed that he was not surprised by Canning's early-season success, crediting the Mets with optimizing the pitcher's arsenal and noting Canning's previous flashes of potential during his time with the Angels. Boone also highlighted the emergence of Luke Weaver, a pitcher the Yankees acquired quietly last September, who has become a strong bullpen asset for the team. Meanwhile, the Yankees had to adjust their plans after Mets signed slugger Juan Soto to a record deal, pivoting to other free agents like Max Fried to strengthen their rotation. Despite missing out on Canning and Soto, Boone remains confident in his roster's strength and the Yankees' status as World Series contenders. The Subway Series matchup underscores the ongoing competition between the two New York teams, with Canning's performance a key storyline.