What's Happening?
The Texas Rangers have added pitchers David Davalillo and Leandro Lopez, along with first baseman Abimelec Ortiz, to their 40-man roster. This decision was made to protect these players from the Rule 5
Draft. Davalillo, a 23-year-old right-hander, had a strong season with a 2.44 ERA over 107 innings, while Lopez, also 23, rebounded from a limited 2024 season to post a 2.40 ERA in 2025. Ortiz, a left-handed hitter, improved his performance significantly in the latter half of the 2025 season, earning a promotion to AAA. These additions bring the Rangers' 40-man roster to 38 players.
Why It's Important?
By adding these players to their 40-man roster, the Rangers are safeguarding their investment in young talent and ensuring that these promising players remain within the organization. This move highlights the team's commitment to developing homegrown talent and strengthening their roster depth. For the players, being added to the 40-man roster is a crucial step towards potentially making their Major League debuts. It also reflects the Rangers' strategic planning as they prepare for the Rule 5 Draft, aiming to protect key prospects from being acquired by other teams.
What's Next?
The Rangers will continue to evaluate these players during spring training to determine their readiness for the Major League roster. The team will also need to make further roster decisions as they approach the Rule 5 Draft, balancing the need to protect additional prospects while maintaining roster flexibility. The performance of Davalillo, Lopez, and Ortiz in the upcoming season will be closely watched as they aim to secure their positions within the organization.
