The Texas Rangers have bolstered their organizational depth by signing veteran outfielder Billy McKinney to a minor league contract on May 27, 2025. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter was promptly assigned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express, where he will aim to rediscover his form and contribute to the Rangers’ depth in the outfield.
McKinney’s addition comes shortly after his release from the New York Mets organization on May 18, following a challenging stint with their Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Mets.
During his time there, he posted a .184 batting average with three home runs and nine RBIs over 33 games. Despite these recent struggles, McKinney brings a wealth of experience, having played at the major league level with seven different clubs, including the Yankees, Brewers, and Dodgers.
Throughout his MLB career, McKinney has accumulated a .209 batting average, a .284 on-base percentage, and a .386 slugging percentage across nearly 1,000 plate appearances.
While these numbers reflect some inconsistency, his performance in Triple-A has been notably stronger, boasting a .266/.354/.487 slash line over parts of eight seasons. This track record suggests that McKinney has the potential to be a valuable asset at the Triple-A level and possibly beyond.
The Rangers’ decision to sign McKinney aligns with their strategy of enhancing organizational depth, particularly in the outfield.
With the team navigating injuries and roster adjustments, having a seasoned player like McKinney in Triple-A provides flexibility and insurance. His ability to play both corner outfield positions and first base adds to his utility, making him a versatile option should the need arise.
As McKinney embarks on this new chapter with the Rangers, both he and the organization will be hopeful that a change of scenery and consistent playing time at Round Rock can reignite his performance.
If he can tap into his previous Triple-A success, McKinney could position himself as a candidate for a call-up, contributing to the Rangers’ efforts as they progress through the season.
