'Back for some more good times': Canha happy to rejoin Crew

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- On Sep. 16, 2023, as the Brewers inched closer to clinching their fifth postseason berth in six seasons, Mark Canha -- whom Milwaukee acquired at the Trade Deadline earlier that year -- hit one of the more memorable home runs in recent Brewers memory.

With the game tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the eighth against the Nationals, Canha launched a no-doubt go-ahead grand slam that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The Brewers went on to win, 9-5.

Two years later, Canha still rewatches that highlight from time to time. It reminds him of how much support he felt when he last played with Milwaukee.

¡°It was one of the best moments of my career,¡± Canha said. ¡° ... I just loved the Milwaukee fanbase, and how into it they were at that time was unbelievable. You see the teammates' reaction in the dugout and everything. It's those kind of things you look back at and you're like, 'Man, that was pretty special.'¡±

After spending the 2024 season with the Tigers and Giants, Canha is back with the Brewers after signing a Minor League deal with an invitation to Major League camp that was finalized on Monday.

¡°It feels great,¡± Canha said. ¡°I loved my last stint here. It was an awesome time for me. I decided to come back for some more good times.¡±

Canha slashed .242/.344/.346 with seven homers and 42 RBIs across 125 games between Detroit and San Francisco last season.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that Canha would most likely fit on Milwaukee¡¯s roster as a first baseman, designated hitter and pinch-hitter. There is no word yet on when Canha will get into a Cactus League game, but Murphy said Monday that he will give the 36-year-old a few days to get his feet under him.

Canha has spent the vast majority of the past 10 seasons in the Majors. Murphy said that when Canha¡¯s name first came up as a potential addition, he was all for it.

¡°He cares about continuing to play, and I think he¡¯ll be a great example for these kids,¡± Murphy said. ¡°Great personality. We¡¯ve had him before. I think it¡¯s a great move. He¡¯s got to earn a job, but I think he¡¯s at that point in life where you know what you¡¯re getting. That¡¯s a nice thing to have in our bag.¡±