ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers have officially added their first two picks of the 2025 MLB Draft class, opting for a bold and unconventional approach. The organization has signed a pair of injured collegiate pitchers — Mason McConnaughey and Ben Abeldt — to under-slot deals, signaling a strong vote of confidence in their recovery and future upside.
Both McConnaughey and Abeldt are recovering from season-ending injuries but were still considered high-upside prospects ahead of the draft. The Rangers see value where others may see risk, banking on long-term potential over short-term health.
McConnaughey: Proven Performance, Cut Short
Right-hander Mason McConnaughey, selected in the fourth round (No. 115 overall), signed with Texas for $495,825, well below his slot value of $661,000.
McConnaughey, who pitched for the University of Nebraska, put together a strong 2024 season before an early injury halted his campaign. In just three weeks of action, he impressed scouts with his poise, command, and ability to miss bats. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, finishing with a 9-3 record and a 3.45 ERA prior to the injury.
Despite being draft-eligible as a junior, McConnaughey chose to forgo his senior season, betting on himself and trusting the Rangers’ development system to guide his recovery.
Abeldt: The TCU Southpaw with Untapped Potential
Meanwhile, Ben Abeldt, a promising left-hander from TCU, was picked in the fifth round (No. 146 overall). He signed for $450,000, also below his slot value of $489,200.
Abeldt was expected to be a cornerstone in TCU’s 2025 rotation before suffering an elbow injury that required surgery earlier this year. Notably, the procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, the Rangers’ own team physician — a detail that likely gave the club extra confidence in his recovery.
Though sidelined, Abeldt’s prior seasons showcased strong stuff from the left side, including a sharp breaking ball and solid fastball command. His profile as a lefty with strikeout potential made him an attractive draft target, even in the face of recent injury.
Strategic Spending: Betting on the Future
The under-slot deals for both pitchers allow the Rangers to strategically stretch their draft bonus pool — saving over $200,000 combined, which can now be redirected toward signing higher-risk, higher-reward picks later in the draft or securing top prospects like first-rounder Gavin Fien, who remains unsigned.
Fien, a standout shortstop from Great Oak High School (California), has the option to play college ball, meaning Texas may need additional financial flexibility to lure him away. The savings from McConnaughey and Abeldt could be crucial in those negotiations.
High Risk, High Reward
Signing two injured pitchers in the top five rounds is far from conventional, and some observers have called the strategy risky. But the Rangers are clearly banking on the long-term payoff. If even one of the two returns to full strength, the deals could turn out to be a bargain. If both succeed, it may go down as a draft-day masterclass.
With top-tier medical support, a strong pitching development pipeline, and a commitment to seeing their prospects through, the Rangers have taken a chance that could shape the next generation of their rotation.
Injury may have delayed their paths, but the belief in their future remains unshaken.
