Mets' Mark Canha 'loved' playing in New York as Yankees struggled with home market

The New York Mets and New York Yankees seemingly had different experiences playing in the country's largest sports market this season. 

"I loved it," Mets outfielder Mark Canha told Mike Puma of the New York Post about his first campaign calling the Big Apple his baseball home. "It was everything I could’ve hoped for and more, and it was amazing. Everything, from playing to New York and the fans and the limelight. Not just that, but also where the organization was is really cool. I didn’t really know what it was like before, but I heard some things. And it’s an organization that’s trying to turn over a new leaf, and that was great to be a part of and for me and my family in every way.

"I think it helps that I played well and did a decent job, but I don’t want to play anywhere else. If I could finish my career with the Mets, it would be ideal because I love it so much. It’s kind of revitalized my passion for the game, actually." 

Canha batted .266 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI for the Mets in 2022. The 33-year-old offered his comments about New York following a report that claimed multiple Yankees players told agents playing home games at Yankee Stadium "was an unusually brutal experience" during the playoffs and American League Championship Series sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros. 

It has since been said that a "souring relationship between the Yankees and their fans" this year could potentially play a role in All-Star Aaron Judge signing with a different team assuming he becomes a free agent after the World Series. Retired slugger Jose Canseco even went so far as to campaign for Judge to leave the "dump" that is New York City because "the fans are awful" and are among "the most psychologically damaged...angriest people in the world."

Puma seemed to reference such takes when he told Canha: "For a lot of guys, it might go the opposite direction playing in New York." Canha admitted the Mets' overall record made things easier even if the club collapsed when it mattered most. 

"The fact we played well and were successful to an extent helps a lot," Canha explained. "And I know it’s not easy to lose in New York. but we had a successful season – not as much as we wanted, but 101 wins is a lot of winning baseball and it was just fun. I loved the guys, the staff and people in the organization. It’s just a very cool place to come to work."

If it's true that free agents may ask themselves if they "really want to play for the Yankees" because of crowds in the Bronx, perhaps Canha's words could convince such players to consider giving Queens a shot for at least a season.