Rule 5 Draft pick could make Rangers' 26-man roster if he continues strong spring

Texas Rangers right-handed reliever Carter Baumler looks like a stud so far this spring.

He's made two appearances during this year's Cactus League season. During his first outing, the righty entered the Rangers' game against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning on Saturday and induced a flyout, a groundout and a strikeout for a perfect frame.

Baumler's second outing of the 2026 Cactus League season was even better. He relieved Jacob Latz in the third inning of Texas' matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday and induced a flyout and two strikeouts. What made his outing even more impressive was the hitters he struck out: established big-leaguer Alek Thomas and two-time Silver Slugger Ketel Marte.

Baumler's fastball can reach high-90s with "explosive carry." He can throw a low-80s power curveball for strikes and get batters to chase it. He also throws a decent mid-80s slider, mostly against righties.

Carter Baumler has good shot to make Rangers' Opening Day roster if he continues to have strong spring training

Even though Baumler hasn't pitched above the Double-A level, he has a real shot at cracking the Rangers' Opening Day roster. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Baumler from the Baltimore Orioles with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft in December, then immediately traded him to the Rangers in exchange for righty pitching prospect Jaiker Garcia and cash. If the Rangers feel Baumler doesn't fit on their Opening Day roster, they will have to place him on waivers and then offer him back to the Orioles for half his $100,000 draft price. Because of that, it seems likely Texas will take a chance on Baumler if he continues to have a strong spring training, especially with the Rangers' bullpen being anything but set in stone.

The Orioles selected Baumler, 24, out of high school in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He received a $1.5 million signing bonus from Baltimore.

Baumler posted a 2.04 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 39 2/3 innings across three minor-league levels last season. Overall, Baumler has a career 3.05 ERA in 88 2/3 minor-league innings.

If Baumler makes the Rangers' 26-man roster, he'll be part of a bullpen that will most likely include Chris Martin, Jakob Junis, Cole Winn, Tyler Alexander, Alexis Díaz and Robert Garcia. Relievers Ryan Brasier, Mason Thompson and others are competing to make the 26-man roster as well. Jacob Latz could also end up in the bullpen if Kumar Rocker claims the No. 5 starter role.