Duffy signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy was with the Rangers throughout spring training but was released Sunday. He's now back with the club and will report to Triple-A Round Rock to begin the campaign.

Duffy opted out of his minor-league contract with the Rangers on Sunday and is set to become a free agent, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy's decision to opt out of his deal with the Rangers is likely an indication that the team informed him he wouldn't be included on the Opening Day roster. The 33-year-old posted a .696 OPS over 17 Cactus League games this spring after slashing .251/.306/.325 across 206 plate appearances at the big-league level with the Royals in 2023. Duffy saw action at all four infield spots last season, so he could have some appeal to a club looking for an experienced utility player to its roster ahead of Opening Day.

Duffy signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Thursday and received an invitation to major-league spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy elected free agency in November after slashing .251/.306/.325 across 209 plate appearances with the Royals last season. The 33-year-old infielder won't see many starts with the defending World Series champions, but his defensive versatility and ability to maintain a decent batting average could allow him to win a spot on the Rangers' bench during spring training.

Duffy went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

This was just the sixth game Duffy's gotten into in September -- the Royals have often opted to evaluate younger players in preparation for 2024. This was Duffy's second homer of the campaign. The infielder is slashing .249/.299/.324 with 15 RBI, 16 runs scored and a stolen base through 201 plate appearances. He'll likely close out this season in a bench role.

Duffy went 0-for-3 with a stolen base in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy got aboard on a fielder's choice in the second inning and proceeded to record his first steal of the season. The infielder last swiped a bag in 2021 when he picked up eight steals in 97 games with the Cubs. The 32-year-old has seen a little extra playing time lately with Maikel Garcia (ribs) dealing with a nagging injury. Duffy is slashing .258/.315/.319 with one home run, 12 RBI and 15 runs scored over 178 plate appearances, mainly serving as a short-side platoon option this season.

Duffy went 1-for-3 with two RBI in Friday's 12-8 win over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy didn't start the game, but he checked in at third base after Maikel Garcia (upper body) exited the game. After starting the year fairly well in a limited role, Duffy has been pretty quiet, batting .218 with a .530 OPS over 33 games since the start of June. He's at a .260/.314/.322 slash line with a home run, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored and six doubles through 159 plate appearances overall. If Garcia ends up on the injured list, Duffy or Matt Beaty would be most likely to pick up additional time at the hot corner.

Duffy is starting at second base and batting leadoff Tuesday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy carries a .328/.364/.426 slash line through 66 plate appearances this season and will be rewarded with his first look at the very top of the Royals' batting order. He's still not playing regularly, but he's making his rare opportunities matter and might be able to steal more starts from the slumping Michael Massey.

Duffy went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a walk, one RBI and three runs scored in Saturday's 11-8 win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy continues to make the most of limited playing time -- this was his third multi-hit effort of the season. The infielder has gone 6-for-15 (.400) over his last five games. For the season, he owns a .394/.412/.545 slash line with a home run, four RBI, four runs scored and a 1:6 BB:K across 34 plate appearances. Duffy's been used more as a reserve than a platoon option, starting five times against southpaws and four times against righties. With Michael Massey, Nicky Lopez and Hunter Dozier all scuffling, Duffy could see an uptick in playing time until his bat cools off.

Duffy went 3-for-3 in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Individually, this was an encouraging game from Duffy, but the hitters behind him in the order went a combined 0-for-11 with one walk. Through two games, Duffy is 5-for-7 with a home run, two RBI and one strikeout. He's been one of the Royals' few bright spots, so there's a case to be made for him challenging for more regular playing time -- at least against southpaws.

Duffy went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy got the start at third base and batted ninth Sunday. Considering Hunter Dozier went 0-for-7 with two strikeouts over the first two games of the season, this could be Duffy's chance to make a push for playing time. Over 77 games with the Angels last year, he slashed .250/.308/.311. He hasn't hit more than five homers in any of his last five seasons (dating back to 2016), so he shouldn't be counted on for power production.