Texas Rangers Officially Cut Ties With Two Veterans After Pair Reject Minor League Assignments
The Texas Rangers have officially parted ways with veteran outfielder Jarred Kelenic and right-handed pitcher Joe Ross after both players rejected outright assignments to Triple-A Round Rock and elected free agency. The move officially ends their brief stints with the organization as Texas continues reshaping its roster during the 2026 season. (MLB Trade Rumors)
Kelenic and Ross were designated for assignment earlier in the week as the Rangers made room for newly acquired pitcher Chris Paddack and promoted versatile infielder/outfielder Cameron Cauley to the major league roster. After clearing waivers, both veterans exercised their right to decline minor league assignments and instead entered the free-agent market. (MLB.com)
Jarred Kelenic’s Texas Stay Comes to an End
Kelenic arrived in the Rangers organization hoping to revive his career after previous stops with the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago White Sox organizations. Once regarded as one of baseball’s elite prospects, the 26-year-old was given another opportunity to prove himself in Texas.
His stay with the Rangers, however, proved to be short-lived. Kelenic appeared in just seven games, collecting only one hit in eight official at-bats while serving primarily as a reserve outfielder. With Texas needing greater roster flexibility and healthier outfield options becoming available, the club decided to move in a different direction. (Reuters)
By electing free agency, Kelenic will now look for another organization willing to offer him a fresh opportunity to re-establish himself at the major league level.
Joe Ross Also Heads to Free Agency
Ross’ tenure with the Rangers was equally brief.
The 33-year-old right-hander was added to provide bullpen depth but struggled to secure a permanent role. He made five relief appearances for Texas, posting mixed results before becoming one of the roster casualties during the club’s recent wave of transactions. (Reuters)
Rather than report to Triple-A after clearing waivers, Ross rejected the outright assignment and chose free agency, hoping another contender will provide him with another major league opportunity.
Rangers Continue Roster Shake-Up
The departures are part of a broader effort by the Rangers to strengthen their roster as they remain in the postseason race. Texas has been aggressive in creating roster flexibility, adding experienced pitching while giving opportunities to younger players such as Cameron Cauley and recently promoted right-hander Ben Peoples. (MLB.com)
Although neither Kelenic nor Ross made a lasting impact during their time in Arlington, both possess major league experience that could make them attractive options for clubs seeking affordable depth during the second half of the season.
For the Rangers, the decisions reflect a continued emphasis on maximizing roster efficiency as they pursue another playoff appearance. Meanwhile, Kelenic and Ross now become available to all 30 MLB clubs and will attempt to restart their careers elsewhere after officially severing ties with Texas. (MLB Trade Rumors)
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