The deadline for the Texas Rangers to set their 40-man roster passed Tuesday afternoon with three prospects, including right-hander David Davalillo, being added to avoid exposure to the Rule 5 draft.
David Davalillo has pitched his way into the top 10 of Texas Rangers minor-league prospects, and his performance the past two seasons helped him land a spot on the club’s 40-man roster.
The Rangers added the right-hander Tuesday at the annual deadline to set the reserve list, better known as the 40-man roster. He was joined by righty Leandro Lopez and first baseman Abi Ortiz, and none of the three will be available in the Rule 5 draft.
Players who were signed at age 18 or under and have spent five years in the minors without being added to the 40-man, as well as players 19 or older who have spent five years in the minors without an add, are eligible for the Rule 5 draft.
Among those not added was infielder Cam Cauley, a native Texan who was the team’s third-round choice in 2021. He is the fastest player in the organization and a plus defender at shortstop and center field, but he has offensive flaws to overcome.
Davalillo and Lopez finished the season at Double A Frisco after impressing at High A Hub City to open the season. Neither has an overpowering fastball but can thrive with offspeed offerings and command.
Davalillo’s best pitch is his split-fingered fastball, which Lopez throws one of the system’s top curveballs and a sharp slider. Davalillo and Lopez are both from the Dominican Republic, and each signed for only a $10,000 bonus.
They join Kumar Rocker, Jose Corniell and Winston Santos in the group of advanced minor-league starters who are on the 40. Emiliano Teodo is also on the 40 and has started in the minors, but his best role might be as a reliever.
Ortiz signed in 2021 as a non-drafted free agent for only $20,000 and has become one of the system’s top power hitters. He burst onto the radar in 2023 as one of the top hitters in minor-league baseball and rallied to a strong finish in 2024 at Double A Frisco.
He got hot as the temperature rose in 2025 and was bumped to Triple A Round Rock in early August. He performed better there, including a two-homer game in his Round Rock debut, and was an easy choice for the 40-man despite some limitations.
Ortiz is a first baseman who has dabbled in the outfield corners. While he has improved at first base, his lack of speed and range make him a liability in the outfield.
In another series of moves, the Rangers signed the following players to minor-league contracts that include invitations to spring training: shortstop Richie Martin and right-handers Declan Cronin, Peyton Gray and Trey Supak.
Martin, Gray and Supak spent 2025 in the organization while Cronin, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was with the Marlins in 2024 with new Rangers manager Skip Schumaker and in 2025. He agreed to a two-year minor-league deal last month.
Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com
