SURPRISE, Ariz. — Life comes at you fast, sometimes. Saturday afternoon, Mark Canha was playing with his kids in the backyard, pondering if he’d secure a call to continue his 10-year big league career. Sunday morning, on his 37th birthday, he was celebrating as the newest member of the Texas Rangers.
The Rangers, seeking right-handed hitting depth, signed Canha to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, as first reported by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The move comes after the Rangers explored options like Austin Hays and Miguel Andújar, both of whom signed guaranteed big league deals worth at least $4 million, according to the team.
The signing of Canha provides the Rangers with a veteran presence and a potential boost to their bench as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team is looking to add more right-handed bats to balance a lineup that currently features two left-handed-hitting starting outfielders in Evan Carter and Brandon Nimmo. This demand for right-handed options is further emphasized by the fact that Alejandro Osuna also hits from the left side.
A Career at a Crossroads
The last two seasons have presented challenges for Canha, a player once known for his on-base skills and power. After a six-year stretch where he maintained a .364 on-base percentage and .790 OPS, his career trajectory shifted. In 2025 with the Kansas City Royals, he slashed just .212/.272/.265 in 125 plate appearances, struggling with injuries that included an adductor strain and tennis elbow inflammation. He was ultimately released by the Royals on August 21st.
Canha acknowledged the difficult period, stating, “I consider Mark Canha is still in there,” and reflecting on the experience of being designated for assignment for the first time in his career. He spent the last six weeks of the 2025 season at home in Phoenix, using the time to evaluate his options and prepare for the possibility of continuing his career. He continued to train and hit, unsure if he was preparing for a potential opportunity or simply maintaining his skills.
Rangers’ Bench Construction and Canha’s Role
The Rangers’ current bench options are limited, with Sam Haggerty, a switch-hitter who primarily faces left-handed pitchers, and Michael Helman as the primary reserves. Haggerty’s role is specifically tailored to matchups, leaving a need for a more versatile right-handed bat. Canha’s presence could provide manager Skip Schumacher with more flexibility in late-game situations and the ability to spell Carter or Nimmo against tough right-handed pitching.
Canha’s career began with the Florida Marlins, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2010. He made his major league debut in 2015 with the Oakland Athletics, where he spent the first seven years of his career, slashing .244/.344/.431 with 89 home runs and 294 RBIs. He later played for the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, and Kansas City Royals before landing with the Rangers.
Looking Ahead to Spring Training
The Rangers’ spring training roster now stands at 66 players, including all 40 players on the 40-man roster and 26 non-roster invitees. Position players were required to report to the spring training facility on Sunday, February 15, 2026, marking the official start of camp. Canha will compete with other outfielders, including Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, Brandon Nimmo, Sam Haggerty, Michael Helman, and Alejandro Osuna, for a spot on the major league roster.
The Rangers are hoping Canha can rediscover the form that made him a productive player for much of his career. His ability to provide a right-handed bat with power and on-base skills could be a valuable asset to the team as they look to defend their championship. The team will continue to evaluate Canha throughout spring training, assessing his performance and determining his role on the roster.
The next key date for the Rangers is the start of exhibition games on February 27th, providing an early opportunity to see Canha in game action. Fans can follow spring training coverage on The Dallas Morning News and other sources for updates on Canha’s progress and the team’s overall preparations for the 2026 season.
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