Texas Rangers rumors: Catcher Michael McKenry opts out

Texas Rangers rumors:  Michael McKenry, a catcher who is currently with the AAA Round Rock Express, has an opt-out clause in his deal with the Rangers which would allow him to opt out tomorrow, according to Jon Heyman.  Heyman notes that, with the catching market being slim right now, there's a decent chance McKenry exercises that clause.

McKenry, 31, was with the Pirates from 2011-13, and Jeff Banister's familiarity with McKenry from their shared time in Pittsburgh was mentioned as a factor in the Rangers signing McKenry.  However, given that the Rangers have traded for Bryan Holaday and Bobby Wilson, and opted to call up Brett Nicholas when Robinson Chirinos went down, one could reasonably presume that McKenry doesn't really factor into the team's major league plans.  As a result, it would seem to make sense that McKenry would exercise the opt out and look for an opportunity that would give him a better chance of getting major league action this season.

McKenry has appeared in 13 games for the Express this season, and has put up a .220/.389/.341 line in 54 plate appearances.  The Express also have Nicholas and Pat Cantwell on their roster, giving the team three catchers.

UPDATE -- McKenry has opted out of his deal, per the beat guys on Twitter, and is a free agent.