Mark Canha was released by the Texas Rangers on Thursday after requesting his release from a minor league deal, ending his bid for a roster spot with the club.
The 37-year-old veteran had signed a minor league contract with the Rangers in February and posted a .286/.318/.500 slash line during spring training. Despite that performance, he did not make the Opening Day roster, losing the final bench spot to Andrew McCutchen.
Canha had an opt-out clause in his contract at the end of spring training but chose to remain with the team in extended spring training in Surprise, Arizona, preferring to stay near his home in Scottsdale rather than report to a minor league affiliate. That arrangement allowed the Rangers to retain him as depth without assigning him to a minor league team.
Nearly three weeks passed with no injuries among position players, reducing the need for veteran backup options. Cody Freeman remains the only position player on the injured list, sidelined since February with a lower back fracture.
Meanwhile, McCutchen has struggled early, posting a .222/.250/.407 line in 28 plate appearances with a 42.9% strikeout rate and just one walk, resulting in an 84 wRC+. Canha’s recent track record offers little encouragement — he hit .212/.272/.265 with the Royals in 2025, quality for a 49 wRC+, before being released in August and going unsigned for the remainder of the season.
The Rangers confirmed Canha’s release Thursday night, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any club. He has not appeared in a game this season, not even at the Triple-A level.
Over the last three seasons, Canha has played for the Mets, Brewers, Tigers, Giants, and Royals. His career MLB line is .248 with 121 home runs in 879 hits. He was once valued for his ability to hit left-handed pitching and play multiple positions, but questions remain about how much he has left at this stage of his career.
While some see the release as a potential step toward retirement, Canha’s decision to seek another opportunity suggests he believes he can still contribute at the major league level. Whether any team will offer him that chance remains uncertain.
Why did Canha ask for his release instead of accepting a minor league assignment?
Canha preferred not to report to a minor league affiliate and wanted to stay near his home in Scottsdale, so he agreed to remain in extended spring training with the Rangers rather than take a demotion to Triple-A.
What are the realistic chances Canha signs another major league deal after this release?
<pBased on his limited recent production — a .212/.272/.265 line with the Royals in 2025 and no game action in 2026 — it is unlikely he will receive an immediate major league offer, though minor league invitations are expected.
