ARLINGTON — On Tuesday, the Rangers secured three prospects on their 40-man roster to shield them from the Rule 5 Draft: right-handers Emiliano Teodo (ranked No. 6 in Texas’ system by MLB Pipeline), Winston Santos (No. 8), and shortstop Max Acosta (unranked).
The Rule 5 Draft is set for Dec. 11 during the Winter Meetings in Dallas.
In related moves, the Rangers returned right-hander Carson Coleman to the New York Yankees, freeing up a spot on the 40-man roster. Coleman, selected in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft, missed the season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery and other arm issues.
Teodo and Santos, in particular, are viewed as potential contributors to the major league club in the near future. Both enjoyed breakout seasons and showcased their talent at the All-Star Futures Game this past summer.
Teodo caught the attention of the Rangers’ big league staff during Spring Training with his blazing fastball, consistently in the upper 90s and often exceeding 100 mph. In 2024, he delivered an impressive performance at Double-A Frisco, recording a 1.98 ERA over 20 games. Teodo struck out 110 batters in 86 1/3 innings, averaging 11.47 strikeouts per nine innings—a mark that placed him second in the Texas League.
Teodo made history as the first pitcher in the Futures Game to toss two perfect innings. Meanwhile, Santos had a challenging 2023 season, struggling to a 6.29 ERA over 98 2/3 innings with High-A Hickory, falling short of the expectations set by the Rangers’ player development staff.
However, in 2024, he showcased his true potential. The right-hander posted a 3.67 ERA in 22 starts across Hickory and Double-A Frisco. He ranked among the top Rangers prospects in several categories: first in wins, second in strikeouts (138), third in starts and innings (T3rd), fifth in ERA and opponents’ batting average (.221), and sixth in WHIP (1.14).
Acosta, known for his “fearless” play, has cracked Texas’ Top 30 prospect list. In 2024, he posted a .288/.353/.425 slash line with a .778 OPS, hitting eight home runs, three triples, 23 doubles, and driving in 58 RBIs over 104 games at Double-A Frisco. His .288 batting average ranked third among qualified hitters in the Texas League. Acosta also impressed in the Arizona Fall League, playing 20 games for the Surprise Saguaros, where he hit .338 and earned a spot in the 2024 AFL Fall Stars Game.
The Rangers still have several Minor League players at risk of being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, including right-hander Aidan Curry (No. 19), first baseman Abimelec Ortiz, infielder Blaine Crim, infielder Cody Freeman, and right-hander Josh Stephan.
