Rangers have obvious solution to fill right-handed bat void with free agent signing

The Rangers have addressed most of their faults this offseason. They swapped a strong defender for a consistent hitter by trading second baseman Marcus Semien to the New York Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo. They've pieced together their depleted bullpen by signing Jakob Junis, Alexis Díaz, Chris Martin and Tyler Alexander to MLB deals, and Ryan Brasier, Josh Sborz and others to minor-league deals. Texas has also ensured its starting rotation has plenty of depth by acquiring Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore, signing Jordan Montgomery (who won't return from injury until mid-season) and adding several low-cost pitchers, such as Cal Quantrill and Austin Gomber, on minor-league deals. They also ensured Kyle Higashioka won't have to catch nearly all of the games this upcoming season by signing Danny Jansen.

With Spring Training in its early stages, one glaring hole on the Rangers' roster has been a lack of right-handed bats to complement the lefty-hitting-heavy position player group. However, this morning, the Rangers may have put that worry to rest by adding an 11-year veteran outfielder/first baseman who bats from the right side; the Rangers have signed Mark Canha to a minor-league contract with an invite to big-league Spring Training, the team announced.

Rangers' Mark Canha signing could give Texas right-handed bat its desperately needed

Canha, 37, brings experience and balance to a Rangers team that features many left-handed hitters. Corey Seager, Josh Smith, Joc Pederson, Evan Carter and Nimmo all bat from the left side. If Canha makes the Rangers' 26-man roster, he'll be a solid option for Skip Schumaker to slot into the lineup when facing southpaws and bring into games as a pinch-hitter.

Canha began his MLB career by playing seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics and has since played for the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants. He struggled significantly with the Royals last season, hitting .212/.272/.265 (52 OPS+) in 125 plate appearances. However, he missed significant time due to a left abductor strain and left elbow epicondylitis, which may have affected his performance on the field. Notably, he hit .143/.180/.161 over 56 at-bats at home, but slashed .281/.359/.368 across 57 at-bats on the road. Maybe he just doesn't hit well at Kauffman Stadium?

Canha was a productive player with the Athletics, Mets and Brewers from 2018 to 2023, posting an above-average OPS+ in each of those six seasons. His numbers took a nosedive in 2024, when he hit .242/.344/.346 (97 OPS+) in 125 games with the Tigers and Giants. However, his .344 on-base percentage was still solid, and he hit lefties at a solid .275/.380/.394 clip in 109 at-bats that season.

If he can stay healthy, Canha, who's an average defender these days, will likely be a great platoon bat for the Rangers in 2026.