Rangers Agree to Terms With Right-Hander AJ Russell

By Nate Miller

Photo by Kate Woolson/Texas Rangers/Getty Images

July 23, 2025

ARLINGTON, Texas (Jul 23) — The Texas Rangers have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher AJ Russell. He was club’s 2nd round selection in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft. The announcement of the signing came Wednesday. The 21-year-old righty went 2–1 with a 3.55 ERA and 36 strikeouts against 11 walks in 12 appearances for Tennessee in 2025. It was his third season within the Volunteers program. The right-hander compiled a career collegiate record of 4–2 with a 2.70 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 42 appearances/11 starts. Russell earned Baseball America Freshman All-American honors in 2023, posting a 0.89 ERA in his collegiate debut. He returned to the mound in 2025 after undergoing right elbow surgery in June 2024.

Reaction from AJ Russell

“They (Rangers) were probably one of the first teams to reach out,” Russell said. “I really enjoyed the conversations we had. They were more in-depth and I understood the direction they were going in. They understood my situation coming off the elbow surgery and are willing to work with me to make sure I don’t overdo anything. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Contract Details

According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, AJ Russell’s deal is worth $2.6 million, much larger than the slot value of $1,846,700 for the 52nd overall selection.

Russell returned for the Volunteers last season after undergoing the surgery. Many thought he would get an over-slot deal from the Rangers that was more appropriate for a 1st-round pick. That’s exactly what happened. With Russell being considered a first-round-level talent before suffering the injury, it was likely that his deal with the Rangers would far exceed what was slotted for somebody drafted in his spot.

His family was in attendance for his introductory press conference Wednesday at Globe Life Field. They looked on with pride as Russell put on his jersey for the first time. They’ll also be on-hand for the Rangers’ series finale against the Athletics Wednesday evening.