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Rangers Lock In Two Injured College Pitchers With Under-Slot Deals as Draft Signings Begin
The Texas Rangers have officially signed their first two picks from the 2025 MLB Draft, securing collegiate pitchers recovering from injuries on under-slot bonus agreements.
According to MLB.com and The Dallas Morning News, the team reached deals with fourth-round selection Mason McConnaughey and fifth-round pick Ben Abeldt of TCU. Both players were considered high-upside arms despite suffering season-ending injuries earlier in the year, and both reportedly agreed to terms for less than their draft slot values.
McConnaughey, chosen 115th overall, had a slot value of $661,000 but signed for approximately $495,825. Abeldt, taken at pick No. 146, signed for $450,000, below the $489,200 value. These savings could allow the Rangers to reallocate funds toward higher-priced signings, including top picks like first-rounder Gavin Fien, due $5.75 million, and second-rounder AJ Russell, set for $1.85 million.
Both McConnaughey and Abeldt were junior-eligible and had the option to return to school but opted to begin their professional careers with Texas.
Abeldt, expected to be a key part of TCU’s 2025 rotation, missed the season after undergoing elbow surgery performed by Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister. In 2024, he had shined out of the bullpen, leading his team with a 1.83 ERA, saving eight games, and earning first-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American honors.
McConnaughey, who pitched for Nebraska, posted a strong 2024 campaign with a 9–3 record and 3.45 ERA, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors before his season was cut short by injury in March.
With the signing deadline approaching on July 28, the Rangers are steadily working through their draft class, balancing financial strategy with future potential. While the decision to target injured pitchers raises some eyebrows, Texas hopes the long-term upside of both signings will outweigh the short-term risks.
