Penchant for pain: New Brewers acquisition Mark Canha has an uncanny knack for being hit by pitches

WASHINGTON − To be able to log a career on-base percentage of .348 over a nine-year career in the major leagues, you've got to be able to hit.

You also need to have a good eye.

But you can also be willing to take one for the team, as new Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Mark Canha has proven.

Acquired from the New York Mets on Monday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Justin Jarvis and cash, Canha has turned being hit by pitches into something of an art form.

Since 2021, the 34-year-old has been plunked a remarkable 64 times. He led the majors in 2021 with 27 hit by pitches and upped his total to 28 in 2022. Canha has been hit only nine times so far this season, which corresponds with a decrease in playing time he had experienced while with the Mets.

"I've been able to make it a habit just to not move when the ball comes in close to me," the right-handed-hitting Canha said. "So, it's been a weapon for me throughout the past few years. I think it's a good habit to get into as a hitter to see there's value in that and getting on base and producing runs.

"I can't tell you how many times you get hit by a pitch and then the guy behind you hits a home run and it kind of changes the game. I haven't been able to do it quite as much this year, but it's been a valuable weapon for me in the past."

The only player who's been hit more than Canha since 2021 is Seattle's Ty France, who's been plunked 67 times. Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees ranks third at 58, Cincinnati's Jonathan India fourth at 51 and St. Louis' Willson Contreras fifth at 49.

Does Canha, who protects his left elbow and shin with plastic guards, have a penchant for pain?

"Yeah, it's painful, but it's worth it," he said. "I'd joke with my old teammates. Every time I get hit by a pitch, I'm loud talking to the dugout that I've made a career out of doing this. It's keeping the lights on at the Canha house.

"So, don't feel too sorry for me."

Manager Craig Counsell, a scrappy player himself during a 16-year career in the majors, has a simple view of how Canha does it.

"He's on the plate," said Counsell, who was hit by 54 pitches in 5,488 plate appearances. Canha had been hit 117 times in 3,341 plate appearances entering Wednesday. In recent Brewers memory, Rickie Weeks was very Canha-like, with 125 hit by pitches in 4,700 plate appearances over 1,142 games with Milwaukee.

"He doesn't move. It's where he stands. It's where people try to get him out," Counsell continued. "And it leads to hit by pitches."

Clearly, the on-base piece is a big part of what led the Brewers to make the move for Canha, who's also expected to play both corner outfield spots and first base as well as designated hitter.

Since joining the Brewers on Tuesday he's logged starts at DH and in left field.

Canha is coming off a somewhat disappointing run this year with the Mets, for whom he hit .245 with six home runs and 29 runs batted in over 89 games. It somewhat mirrored the team, which went from accruing the largest payroll in baseball history to a major selloff leading up to the trading deadline Tuesday.

"A lot of ups and downs," is how Canha described his season to date. "I've stayed healthy, so I'm happy with that. I've had really good moments and shown what type of player I am this season, combined with last season with the Mets, and I remain that type of player that I was in Oakland − a guy that puts together good at-bats and gets on base and has versatility on defense.

"I've played to my skill set."

Canha's most productive season came in 2019 with the Oakland A's, when he hit .273 with 26 home runs and 58 RBI with an OPS of .913. In 2021, he played a career-high 141 games.

He's tough to fan with an 82nd percentile strikeout rate, 79% chase rate, 78% whiff rate. He takes his walks (76th percentile) and still runs well (66th percentile) − all of which should help strengthen Milwaukee's lineup.

More: Needing to make room for Wade Miley, Milwaukee Brewers option Owen Miller to Class AAA Nashville

Defensively, Canha is a below-average outfielder but considering how he'll be used − DH is expected to be his primary role to start − that shouldn't prove to be a huge issue on a team that's otherwise been tremendous in the field.

Adding first baseman-DH Carlos Santana and left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin into the mix, the Brewers believe they adequately addressed their weak spots heading into the deadline and are now sufficiently prepared to make a push for the postseason.

"I'm just excited to be here and to make a playoff run with this talented group," Canha said. "It's a lot for me, because I've never been traded before. So, it's a new experience and I'm excited for this chapter in my career."

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Penchant for pain: New Brewer Mark Canha a master at being hit by pitch