Texas Rangers Expected to Land Top Outfield Prospect Elian Rosario
The Texas Rangers are poised to make a splash on the international market, with 17-year-old outfielder Elian Rosario expected to sign when the international signing window opens on January 15. Ranked as the No. 10 international prospect by MLB Pipeline, Rosario brings a rare blend of size, strength, and raw power that has scouts buzzing – and for good reason.
At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Rosario already looks the part of a future big leaguer. His frame is built for power, and he’s only going to get stronger.
That’s a scary thought for opposing pitchers, considering he’s already flashing the kind of raw power that could eventually develop into plus or even plus-plus territory. He’s not just hitting the ball hard – he’s punishing mistakes and showing the kind of plate presence that suggests he’s more than just a free-swinger.
Yes, there’s some swing-and-miss in his game, as you’d expect from a young power bat, but he’s also shown patience and the ability to draw walks. That combination – patience and pop – is a strong foundation for a player still years away from his prime.
Defensively, Rosario brings versatility and athleticism. He has experience at shortstop and third base, but he’s now settled into the outfield – where he profiles long-term as a corner guy.
He’s a tick above average as a runner when he gets going, but his body type suggests he may slow down as he fills out. That’s not a knock – it’s just the natural progression for a power-hitting outfielder.
His arm is above average, making right field a likely landing spot.
Baseball America reports that the Rangers are expected to give Rosario the ninth-largest signing bonus among 2026 international prospects – a clear sign of how highly the organization values his potential.
A Key Addition to a Pitching-Heavy Farm System
This move also fills a clear need in the Rangers’ farm system. While Texas has built a strong pipeline of pitching and infield talent, the outfield depth has been thinner.
Rosario helps balance that out. He’s still years away from Arlington, but he’s the kind of long-term investment that could pay off in a big way down the road.
Right now, the big-league outfield is in good hands. Wyatt Langford is under team control through 2029, and Evan Carter is locked in until at least 2030.
Brandon Nimmo’s deal also runs through 2030. But baseball is a long game – and smart organizations plan ahead.
Even if Langford and Carter stick around on long-term deals, depth is always key. And if one or both move on?
That’s where a guy like Rosario could step in.
He’s not going to rocket through the system overnight. At 17, he’s a project – but a high-upside one. If he continues to develop as expected, Rosario could be knocking on the door of the big leagues right around the time the Rangers might need a new outfield cornerstone.
For now, he’s a name to remember. And for Rangers fans looking to the future, Elian Rosario is a reason to be excited.
