Before the 2011 season, in his first year of free agency, he signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays,[1] saying later he thought it gave him the best chance to make the major leagues.[2] He was the 2011 International League MVP after hitting .314/.401/.530 with 18 home runs and 83 runs batted in (RBIs) in 131 games.[3]
Canzler fulfilled his goal in signing with the Rays when was called up to the majors for the first time on September 11, 2011.[4]
Cleveland Indians
Canzler was traded to the Cleveland Indians on January 31, 2012 in exchange for cash considerations.[5] Canzler was designated for assignment on December 19, 2012 to make room on the 40-man roster for Mark Reynolds.
Baltimore Orioles
The Toronto Blue Jays claimed Canzler off waivers from the Cleveland Indians on December 21, 2012.[6] Cleveland reacquired Canzler off waivers from Toronto on January 2, 2013,[7][8] then the New York Yankees claimed him off waivers from the Indians a day later on January 4, 2013.[9] The Yankees designated Canzler for assignment on February 1, when they signed Travis Hafner. He was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on February 5, 2013.[10]
Pittsburgh Pirates
On July 12, 2013, Canzler was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Tim Alderson.[11] He was designated for assignment on August 27, 2013.
New York Yankees
Canzler signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees in October 2013.[12]
On June 21, 2014, he was released by the Yankees.
Philadelphia Phillies
Canzler signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 26, 2014, and was assigned to the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.[13] On November 13, 2014, Canzler was re-signed by the Phillies.[14] He elected free agency on November 6, 2015.[15]