The Texas Rangers have officially signed their first two selections from this year’s MLB Draft, both collegiate pitchers currently recovering from injuries.
According to reports from MLB.com and The Dallas Morning News, fifth-round pick Ben Abeldt from TCU and fourth-round pick Mason McConnaughey from Nebraska have each agreed to terms with the team.
Both players reportedly signed under-slot deals. McConnaughey, selected 115th overall, had a slot value of $661,000 but signed for $495,825. Abeldt, taken 146th, signed for $450,000—below the $489,200 slot value.
As juniors with college eligibility remaining, both pitchers could have returned to school but opted to turn pro.
Abeldt, a McKinney, Texas native, was expected to be a cornerstone of TCU’s 2025 pitching staff, but a preseason elbow injury required surgery performed by Rangers team surgeon Dr. Keith Meister. In 2024, he made 25 relief appearances, posted a 1.83 ERA, earned eight saves, and struck out 54 over 44.1 innings.
He allowed runs in just four outings and earned first-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American honors.
His 2023 season was equally impressive, earning him all-freshman and all-tournament accolades.
McConnaughey, meanwhile, sustained a season-ending injury early in the 2024 campaign.
Before that, he put together a strong season at Nebraska, finishing 9–3 with a 3.45 ERA and being named a second-team All-Big Ten selection.
Elsewhere in the draft, the Rangers still have significant signings ahead. First-round pick Gavin Fien, a high school shortstop out of California, is slotted for a $5.75 million bonus and has the option of attending college.
Ben Abeldt
Second-rounder AJ Russell, a right-hander from Tennessee, carries a $1.85 million slot value. The team has until July 28 to finalize deals with all draftees.
The Rangers’ recent top picks have produced a mix of major-league talent and top prospects.
Wyatt Langford (2023) is now their starting left fielder, while Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter (2022 and 2021) are part of the current rotation.
Justin Foscue (2020) made his MLB debut last year, and 2024 pick Malcolm Moore is developing in High-A.
