Texas Rangers set to sign powerful outfield prospect from Dominican Republic

Texas Rangers expected to sign outfield prospect Elian Rosario out of the Dominican Republic

With January 15th being the first date international prospects can sign their contracts, Baseball America's Ben Badler wrote that the Texas Rangers are expected to sign outfield prospect Elian Rosario, 17, out of the Dominican Republic.

Rosario jumps out for his size, strength and power. It's a strong build for his age with the look of a player who will continue to get wider and more physical and add to what's already big raw power for his age, potentially growing into plus or plus-plus raw power when he's in his prime. Rosario's power comes with some swing-and-miss that he will have to keep in check, but he does have the patience to draw walks and has the ability to crush mistakes that should lead to a good amount of home runs early on in the lower levels. An outfielder now with experience earlier on at shortstop and third base, Rosario is a tick-above-average runner underway with a body type that suggests he could slow down. He's likely a corner outfielder long term with an above-average arm that would fit in right field.

MLB Pipeline has Rosario ranked as the No. 10 international prospect. Baseball America has Texas paying the outfielder the ninth-largest bonus among 2026 international prospects.

Rosario gives Rangers much-needed outfield talent in farm system

Since most of the Rangers' top prospects are pitchers and infielders, adding an exciting outfield prospect adds much-needed balance in the club's farm system. Rosario, who stands at six feet, two inches and weighs 195 pounds, likely won't reach the majors for at least several years, given his age, but he certainly is someone Rangers fans should keep in mind when thinking about the future of their favorite team.

Texas is set for a while in the outfield. Wyatt Langford is under team control through the 2029 season. Evan Carter will likely be a free agent after the 2030 season. Brandon Nimmo's contract ends after the 2030 season. Hopefully, Carter and/or Langford sign extensions, but even if that occurs, the Rangers will most likely need outfield help around the 2030 season. If Rosario flourishes in the Rangers' minor league system, he will likely be big-league ready by the time he is needed.