It was revealed today that the Texas Rangers have traded pitcher Tyler Owens to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for outfielde.r JP
. Martinez. With this move, David Robertson, who was reportedly close to signing a contract with the Rangers last night, will have a space available on the 40-man roster.Right-handed pitcher Owens, 23, was selected in the 13th round of the 2019 MLB Draft and signed a contract worth a whopping $547,500 bonus.
In Baseball America’s rankings for the 2024 season, Owens was listed as the #24 prospect in the Braves system. This tiny pitcher (listed at 5’10”) spent the 2023 season divided between AA Mississippi and high-A Rome, where he recorded a 4.21 ERA in 25.2 innings and 2.27 ERA in 39.2 innings.
Although BA lists him as a reliever, he requires a pitch that is successful against lefties.
He favors fastballs and sliders right now.
This year, he was eligible under RMartinez received the majority of the money that had been set aside for Shohei Ohtani had he chosen to sign with Texas as a signing bonus, making him the Rangers’ consolation prize for not signing Ohtani six years prior.
After receiving a brief look in the majors last summer, the 27-year-old was added to the Rangers’ 40-man roster. However, in 44 plate appearances, he only hit.225/.250/.325 before being sent back down.ule 5, but he wasn’t chosen.
