Rangers Protect Three Prospects on 40-Man Roster

The Texas Rangers have bolstered their roster by selecting the contracts of right-handers Emiliano Teodo, Winston Santos, and infielder Max Acosta. This move, aimed at protecting these players from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, brings the Rangers' 40-man roster to 39 players. Additionally, the team has returned 2024 Rule 5 Draft pick Carson Coleman to the Yankees.

Emiliano Teodo, 23, has been in the Rangers' system since 2021. Initially pitching in relief, he transitioned to a starting role in 2022. Despite a 4.52 ERA at High-A last year, Teodo impressed in the Arizona Fall League with eight scoreless outings and a 48.7% strikeout rate. This earned him a spot in the Double-A rotation, where he continued to excel with a 1.98 ERA and a 30.7% strikeout rate over 86 1/3 innings in 2024. However, his 14% walk rate is a concern. Teodo’s potential for near-term success made him an easy choice for protection.

Max Acosta, 22, signed with the Rangers out of Venezuela and debuted in 2021. Primarily a shortstop, he also plays second base and has shown solid offensive growth. This year, Acosta slashed .288/.353/.425 at Double-A, significantly improving his strikeout rate from 21.1% to 13.4%. His speed and contact ability, combined with strong baserunning skills, make him a valuable asset. Acosta further solidified his case by excelling in the Arizona Fall League with a .338/.413/.521 line.

Winston Santos, 22, had a challenging start with a 6.29 ERA in Triple-A last year but rebounded with a 2.80 ERA and a 30.5% strikeout rate in his second attempt. His transition to Double-A saw mixed results, with a 4.89 ERA but a strong 29.5% strikeout rate. Despite his issues with home runs, the Rangers opted to protect Santos due to his high strikeout potential.

​These strategic moves underscore the Rangers' commitment to retaining and developing promising talent. As fans eagerly await the contributions of Teodo, Acosta, and Santos, these additions reinforce the team's depth and readiness for future successes.