The Texas Rangers have acquired minor-league righty Tyler Owens from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for outfielder J.P. MartÃnez. Owens is expected to add pitching depth in the Rangers’ system. With Friday’s transactions, the Rangers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Minor League Struggles
Tyler Owens split the 2023 campaign between Double-A Mississippi and High-A Rome of the Braves organization. He posted a 0–6 record, 3.03 ERA, four saves, and 67 strikeouts across 29 games, 15 of which were starts. The right-hander is 5–15 with a 4.37 ERA, nine saves, and 183 strikeouts across 77 career appearances (32 starts) spanning four minor-league seasons.
The Ocala, Florida native was originally selected by the Braves in the 13th round of the 2019 MLB Draft from Trinity Catholic High School. Owens will most likely start the year in the minor leagues for the Rangers, as his label of “prospect” hasn’t quite worn off yet. If his numbers are good enough, he could possibly earn a September call-up. An injury to a member of the Rangers’ pitching staff could possibly fast-track Owens’ promotion to the big leagues.
What Martinez Brings to Atlanta
J.P Martinez made his major league debut over 17 games with the Rangers last season. The 20-year-old batted .225 (9-for-40) with one home run and four RBI. He spent the balance of the season in the minor leagues with Triple-A Round Rock, High-A Hickory, and Double-A Frisco. Martinez combined to slash .297/.425/.538/.963 (90-for-303) with 14 home runs, 60 RBI, and 41 stolen bases across 82 appearances.
The Baracoa, Cuba native has spent the entirety of his professional career in the Rangers organization. In that time, he batted .257 (434-for-1686) with 58 home runs, 220 RBI, and 145 steals over 460 games. He originally signed with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on March 18, 2016. Martinez gives the Braves another position player to use at their disposal. If he earns a job out of spring training, the Braves could get good use out of him.
Rangers Re-Sign Jankowski
The Rangers made another significant move on Friday, as they re-signed outfielder Travis Jankowski. News of the signing was first reported by Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The deal is for one year. In 2023, Jankowski made the team out of spring training as a non-roster invitee. He enters the 2024 season with a guaranteed contract after slashing .263/.357/.332 with one home run and 19 stolen bases over 107 contests. The 32-year-old outfielder looks tentatively in line to serve as the Rangers’ fourth outfielder, although he could get pushed down in the pecking order when Wyatt Langford arrives.
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