Mark Canha

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #22 prospect in 2015
  After five up-and-down seasons in the Marlins system, Canha joined the Athletics in December after Oakland purchased him from the Rockies, who selected him in the major league Rule 5 draft. His 2014 season at Triple-A New Orleans marked the first time he together two productive halves. He hit .319/.394/.529 in the first half and then .271/.363/.458 after the break. One scout called him the toughest out in the Zephyrs lineup. Canha regained his power stroke in 2014, slugging 20 homers and knocking in 82 runs. His .889 OPS tied for 10th best in the PCL. Though he has below-average speed, he runs the bases well. That he doesn't excel defensively at first base, left field or third base hinders his opportunity to play every day in the majors, though he'll go as far as his bat takes him in 2015.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #24 prospect in 2014
  A two-time all-Pacific-10 Conference honoree at California, Canha signed for $300,000 in 2010. He's been a solid run producer at every stop since. Canha crushes line drives to all fields using a short stroke. He's got the strength to hit for power, particularly to his pull side, if he can maintain the adjustments he made in the second half of 2013 to use his legs more efficiently. Though his speed is below-average, Canha is a smart baserunner. While the Marlins have tried him at third base and in the outfield, he has spent most of his time at first, where he shows fringy overall defensive ability. Canha grows on scouts over time but doesn't profile well. He'll continue his march up the ladder by moving to Triple-A New Orleans in 2014.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #22 prospect in 2012
  A two-time all-Pacific-10 Conference honoree at California, Canha led the conference with 69 RBIs in 54 games in 2010, enticing the Marlins with his power. They signed him for $300,000 in the seventh round that summer and made a few small adjustments with his swing, helping him reach inside pitches better. The changes helped him rank second in the South Atlantic League leaders with 25 homers last year despite missing four weeks early in the season with a back strain. He was helped by Greensboro's hospitable NewBridge Bank Park, where he batted .306/.427/.611 with 16 homers. Canha generates his power with a short stroke and can drive the ball to the opposite field with authority. He's also patient enough to take a walk if pitches won't challenge him. At times he has a tendency to overstride, and keeping his lower half in check will help him more consistently tap into his power. Canha's speed is below average, which may relegate him to first base, though he has played some left field as well. His range at first is average, but he still needs work around the bag. He has drawn comparisons to former Marlin Josh Willingham, another righty hitter with a similar build. Canha should reach Double-A at some point this year, perhaps even to start the season.