The Texas Rangers are shaking things up with a strategic move that has fans buzzing! In a recent announcement, the Rangers revealed their selection of three promising players to join their 40-man roster. But here’s the twist: this decision is not just about bolstering the team’s strength; it’s also a clever strategy to protect these players from being snatched up by other clubs in the upcoming Rule 5 draft.
The chosen ones are right-handed pitchers David Davalillo and Leandro Lopez, and first baseman/outfielder Abimelec Ortiz. This trio brings a mix of talent and potential that has baseball enthusiasts talking.
Davalillo, the standout among the three, has been making waves in the baseball world. FanGraphs ranked him 11th in their midseason update, and MLB.com placed him in the top 10 by the end of the year. Signed as an international free agent in 2022, Davalillo has been steadily climbing the ranks. He started 2025 in High-A but quickly advanced to Double-A, where he showcased his skills with a 2.73 ERA over 56 innings. While his strikeout rate took a slight dip, he made up for it with impressive control, keeping walks at bay and limiting batters to a mere .195 average. Davalillo’s arsenal includes a fastball that clocks in the low to mid-90s, two breaking balls, and a splitter, making him a formidable pitcher to face.
Lopez, another international free agent signing from 2021, has consistently impressed with his strikeout abilities. However, his Achilles’ heel has been control, as walks have been a recurring issue. Despite this, he dominated in High-A this season, posting a 2.19 ERA with a solid strikeout rate of 28.2%. After a promotion to Double-A, he maintained a sub-3.00 ERA and continued to strike out more than a batter per inning. Lopez’s walk rate remains a concern, but his talent is undeniable, earning him a spot on MLB.com’s top 30 list.
Ortiz, also signed in 2021, has been a home run machine in the minor leagues. He smashed 33 homers across Single-A and High-A in 2023 and added another 18 in Double-A the following year. Starting this season in Double-A, his impressive 120 wRC+ earned him a promotion to Triple-A, where he continued to showcase his power with 9 home runs in 41 games. However, FanGraphs has raised concerns about his defensive skills and his tendency to chase pitches, which could impact his MLB prospects.
The Rangers’ decision to add these players to their 40-man roster is a significant move, but it also raises questions. Is this a sign of the team’s confidence in these players’ future or a strategic move to protect their assets? Will Davalillo, Lopez, and Ortiz live up to the hype and make their mark in the major leagues? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Rangers are setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead. And this is where your opinions come into play—do you think these players will make an immediate impact in the MLB, or is this move more about long-term potential? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!