Baseball has a way of being incredibly cold. One day you’re a veteran leader grinding through a grueling rehab assignment in Triple-A Omaha, and the next, you’re basically being told there’s no room at the inn. That’s exactly what happened with the Mark Canha DFA Royals situation that shook up the roster back in August 2025. It wasn't just a simple roster move; it was a loud signal that Kansas City was ready to move into a new era, even if it meant cutting ties with a guy they’d traded for just months earlier.
Why the Royals Decided to Move On
When the Royals acquired Mark Canha from the Brewers in late March 2025, the vibe was optimistic. J.J. Picollo, the Royals' GM, talked about "professional at-bats" and veteran presence. They needed a right-handed bat who could mash lefties and mentor the younger guys. Honestly, it looked like a steal at the time. Canha was coming off a solid 2024 where he posted a 102 wRC+ between Detroit and San Francisco. Plus, he’s a clubhouse favorite.
Then the games started.
After a blistering April where he hit .346, the wheels didn't just fall off—they disintegrated. From May 1st until he hit the injured list in July, Canha slashed a brutal .172/.232/.218. You can’t hide that kind of production in a lineup, especially on a team trying to stay competitive in the AL Central. When he went down with left elbow epicondylitis (basically tennis elbow), the writing was already on the wall.
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While Canha was away, the Royals didn't sit still. They got aggressive. They brought in Mike Yastrzemski. They grabbed Randal Grichuk. Suddenly, the "veteran right-handed bat" niche was filled by guys actually producing. By the time Canha finished his rehab assignment in mid-August—hitting a home run in Double-A and looking healthy—the math just didn't work. The Royals activated him on August 18, 2025, and immediately designated him for assignment.
The DFA Reality Check
Designated for Assignment sounds fancy, but it's basically a seven-day limbo. The Royals had a week to trade him, release him, or try to sneak him through waivers to the minors. But here’s the thing: Canha is a veteran with over 10 years of service time. He reached that massive 10-year milestone in June 2025.
Because of those service years, Canha had the right to refuse a minor league assignment. He didn't have to go back to Omaha. He could—and did—opt for the open market.
On August 21, the Royals officially released him. It felt unceremonious for a guy who has been such a consistent part of the MLB landscape for a decade. But that's the business. Kansas City was on the hook for his $1.4 million salary, and they clearly felt that paying him to go away was better than letting him take a roster spot from a younger asset like Jac Caglianone.
What Most Fans Missed
Most people looked at the .212 batting average and figured he was washed. While the numbers were bad, the context was worse. Canha was struggling with that elbow injury for a while before the IL stint. In baseball, if your lead arm is barking, you can't turn on a fastball. He was a "dead man walking" the moment the Yastrzemski trade happened.
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- The Age Factor: At 36, the "bounce back" window is tiny.
- The Roster Crunch: The Royals had too many corner outfield types.
- The Contract: At $1.4 million, he was cheap enough to cut without a huge financial headache.
What’s Next for Mark Canha?
Canha eventually cleared waivers, which surprised nobody. Teams aren't usually looking to pick up a struggling 36-year-old on a major league deal in late August. However, his career isn't necessarily over. He still offers that high-OBP approach that front offices love. Even in a "down" year, his career .346 on-base percentage is nothing to sneeze at.
If you’re wondering where he goes from here, it’s likely a minor league deal with a spring training invite for the 2026 season. He's already earned his full MLB pension—a huge deal in the players' union—so he's playing for the love of the game (and maybe one last shot at a ring) at this point.
Next Steps for Following the Royals Roster:
Keep an eye on the 40-man roster flexibility as the Royals approach the upcoming trade deadline. The Canha move showed they aren't afraid to prioritize current performance over veteran status. If you're tracking potential call-ups, watch how they manage the service time for their top hitting prospects in Triple-A, as those are the players now occupying the space Canha left behind.