The Texas Rangers have officially moved corner infielder Jake Burger, opening the door for top prospect Abimelec Ortiz to take on a regular role in the lineup. The trade, announced Friday, comes as the team continues to reshape its roster for the 2026 season under new manager Skip Schumaker.
Burger, who struggled offensively last season after previously posting consistent numbers, had not seen time at third base in 2025. The move not only creates opportunity for Ortiz, the Rangers’ No. 12 prospect, but also provides payroll flexibility for the team.
“This was a strategic decision to give one of our exciting young players a chance to step into a bigger role,” a Rangers spokesperson said. “It also allows us to manage our resources more effectively as we head into the season.”
The Rangers have already added Danny Jansen, Alexis Diaz, Chris Martin, and Tyler Alexander this offseason while losing Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, and Jonah Heim. With a competitive AL West ahead, the team is taking steps to ensure depth and maximize the potential of its roster.
With Burger now traded, Ortiz is expected to compete for the starting job immediately, giving fans a glimpse of one of the franchise’s rising stars. The move underscores the Rangers’ commitment to blending veteran experience with young talent as they chase a strong 2026 campaign.
