Mark Canha

As expected, the Rangers granted Canha’s request, and the 37-year-old is now free to explore other opportunities. It’s still hard to imagine him landing a major league deal elsewhere, he’s probably going to have to spend some time in the minor leagues.

The 37-year-old would like to explore big league opportunities elsewhere. While he chose to remain with the organization after he didn’t make the team out of spring training, Canha has remained at extended spring training since then and has not appeared in any minor league games. The expectation is that the Rangers will accommodate his request.

Canha victimized Brewers’ right-hander Brandon Woodruff for a 391-foot (99.9 mph EV) solo shot in the fourth inning, trimming the Rangers’ early deficit to 11-3. He’s making a strong case for inclusion on the Rangers’ Opening Day roster, hitting .316 (12-for-38) with three homers, six RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

Canha’s path to a spot on Texas’ season-opening roster involves a complicated mix of injuries and ineffectiveness from bench options like Michael Helman, Sam Haggerty and Ezequiel Duran. The 37-year-old veteran failed to make an impact with the Royals last year and is merely emergency depth at this advanced stage of his career.

The 37-year-old struggled mightily during his time with the Royals in 2025, slashing a meager .212/.272/.265 with just one homer, six RBI and a 24/7 K/BB ratio across 125 plate appearances and was ultimately released in August. He’ll see if he has anything left in the tank as he fights for a bench spot on the Rangers’ Opening Day roster.