ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The Texas Rangers wrapped up the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting 17 players during the final rounds, bringing their total haul to 20. Texas leaned heavily on arms in this year’s draft, choosing 13 pitchers, along with six position players and one two-way athlete. Of the group, 13 came from the college ranks, with seven high school standouts joining the mix.
The headliner from Day 2 is right-hander Mason McConnaughey (4th round), a University of Nebraska product who posted a 10-4 record before undergoing Tommy John surgery this spring. Local favorite Ben Abeldt (5th round), a lefty from TCU and McKinney native, also underwent Tommy John but impressed as a shutdown reliever in 2024.
In the 6th round, Texas turned to high school shortstop Jack Wheeler from Illinois, a two-time Interstate Eight Conference Player of the Year known for his power bat and athleticism. Outfielder Paxton Kling (7th round), fresh off an All-Big Ten First Team selection at Penn State, adds speed and defensive prowess to the outfield.
Among the notable arms selected: Mississippi State’s Evan Siary (8th round), Duke lefty Owen Proksch (9th), and Division II standout J.D. McReynolds (10th), who dominated out of the bullpen at Central Missouri.
From high schoolers like right-hander Landon Manzi (14th round, Connecticut) to established college starters like Walters State’s Aiden Robertson (13th round), the Rangers continued stockpiling pitching depth throughout the later rounds.
Full list of Texas’ 20 draft picks:
- 1st round: SS Gavin Fien
- 2nd round: RHP AJ Russell
- 3rd round: Two-way player Josh Owens
- 4th round: RHP Mason McConnaughey
- 5th round: LHP Ben Abeldt
- 6th round: SS Jack Wheeler
- 7th round: OF Paxton Kling
- 8th round: RHP Evan Siary
- 9th round: LHP Owen Proksch
- 10th round: RHP J.D. McReynolds
- 11th-20th rounds: A mix of high-upside high school and college pitchers, including RHP Jacob Johnson, RHP Jake Barbee, and OF Jay McQueen.
Texas now shifts its focus to signing its draft class and developing the next wave of talent in the farm system.
