Veteran utility player Mark Canha has officially been released from his agreement with the Texas Rangers, according to reports. The 37-year-old first baseman and outfielder had initially signed a minor league contract with the team earlier this year but has now opted to move on in hopes of securing a major league opportunity elsewhere.
Canha joined the Rangers in February and performed reasonably well during spring training, posting a .286 batting average along with a .318 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage. Despite this solid showing, he was unable to earn a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster. The final roster decision ultimately came down to a competition between Canha and fellow veteran Andrew McCutchen, with McCutchen winning the role.
Although Canha had the option to opt out of his contract at the conclusion of spring training and re-enter free agency, he and the Rangers reached a temporary arrangement that suited both sides. Rather than joining a minor league affiliate and traveling extensively, Canha chose to remain in Arizona for extended spring training. This setup allowed him to stay close to his home in Scottsdale and spend time with his family while continuing to stay in playing shape by facing minor league pitching.
This arrangement also benefited the Rangers, as it gave them access to experienced depth in case of injuries. However, nearly three weeks passed without any significant injuries to their position players. Aside from Cody Freeman, who has been sidelined all season due to a back fracture suffered in February, the team has remained relatively healthy. As a result, the need for Canha’s services at the major league level never materialized.
While the Rangers have avoided injuries, some players have struggled with performance. McCutchen, for instance, has had a slow start to the season. Serving mostly as part of a designated hitter platoon alongside Joc Pederson and occasionally appearing in the outfield, McCutchen has recorded a .222/.250/.407 slash line over a small sample of 28 plate appearances. He has struck out 12 times, resulting in a high strikeout rate of nearly 43%, and has drawn just one walk. His overall production has been below league average.
In theory, Canha could have been considered as an alternative in that role, given his experience and similar right-handed bat. However, his recent track record raises questions about his potential impact. During his time with the Kansas City Royals last season, Canha struggled significantly, posting a .212/.272/.265 line, which translated to well below-average offensive production. He was released in August and did not sign with another team before the season ended.
Although Canha showed flashes of form during spring training, his lack of participation in official games over the past few weeks makes it difficult to assess his current readiness. Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that he will immediately secure a major league contract based on his recent performance and inactivity. More realistically, he may receive minor league offers, though it remains uncertain whether he is willing to accept the demands of that path, including travel and time away from home.
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