35-year-old free agent shares thoughts on future in light of 40-plus Justin Verlander, Charlie Morton signing $15,000,000 contracts

Mark Canha will head into his 36-age season this year. Currently a free agent the slugger is looking to add to his resume. He can take some optimism from some of the veteran names in the sport who are doing extremely well at an old age.

Appearing on "The Show" with Jon Heyman as host, Canha was asked about the recent $15 million contracts handed out to Justin Verlander and Charlie Morton. Heyman asked Canha how long does he intend to continue in the sport.

"I don't really know," Canha said (4:50). "I kind of, at the point in my career, where I just take it year by year now, or at least, you know, I've just entered that phase. So I'm just taking it year by year. I definitely want to play this year, and then I will revisit next year and see what happens.

"I think that's kind of where I'm at, but I love to play, and I enjoy it. I enjoy going out and competing and being with all the guys, and it's still a lot of fun. So, yeah, I don't know, it's kind of a question mark." [4:50]

Justin Verlander, an MLB veteran with nine prior All-Star selections, had his worst season in 2024, going 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA for the Houston Astros. The former Cy Young Award winner has agreed to a one-year $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Meanwhile, Charlie Morton signed a similar deal with the Baltimore Orioles. The right-handed is a better example of aging like fine wine as his All-Star nods have come in the second half of his career. He played for the Atlanta Braves in the last four seasons earning a 4.19 ERA over 30 starts in 2024.

MLB insider names Phillies as perfect fit for Mark Canha

MLB insider Todd Zelecki suggested that the Philadelphia Phillies could go for the outfielder-first base combination that Mark Canha provides.

"Maybe the Phillies take their chances on a veteran, right-handed-hitting corner outfielder. Canha is somebody who might make sense," Zelecki wrote.

Canha's contract size will definitely help the Phillies' payroll and the luxury tax. He hit .242 with just seven home runs last year and could settle for a contract around the $5 million mark.