Major prospect Elian Rosario, who plays at shortstop-third base, among 20 players that Rangers picked up in international deals.
Thursday was the day when all MLB teams signed international free agents, and the Texas Rangers collected 20 players and signed them to contracts.
The Rangers Player Development account on X posted a list of all 20 players on Thursday afternoon. One of the top prospects signed is shortstop-third baseman Elian Rosario of the Dominican Republic.
As MLB Pipeline expert Jesse Borek of MLB.com reported, the Rosario signing is just another sign of the lifeline between the Rangers and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
"Already 6-foot-2 and a well-put-together 195 pounds at age 17, there’s tons of physicality to work with," Borek wrote. "Despite his significant power exploits, he receives high marks from evaluators for his ability to control the strike zone and not expand it in favor of hunting extra-base hits."
Other players signed by the Rangers also include center fielder Jesus Chavez, shortstop Ariel Abreu, catcher Santiago Ramirez, shortstop Luis Jaques, and right-handed pitchers Frandel Pineda and Harley Fernandez.
"Pineda is already 6-foot-2 at age 17, and his fastball sits 92-94 mph with carry and has touched 95 on occasion," Borek wrote. "He has the type of loose and whippy arm action that fosters the expectation of even more velocity in the tank as he fills out."
Borek wrote that Chavez happens to have a smooth right-handed hitting strokes, too. "He drilled a walk-off home run to punch Venezuela’s ticket to the 2024 U15 World Cup in Colombia, then went 7-for-18 with a pair of doubles and six RBIs across eight games during the tournament," Borek added.
What types of deals do these international players sign with MLB clubs? Borek offered details that helps Rangers fans understand the intricacies of these deals.
"An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15.," Borek wrote "He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
"That means players born between Sept. 1, 2008, and Aug. 31, 2009, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign."
Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young probably will have an eye on all these players and see how they perform.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!