The Rangers have released Anthony Veneziano, a left-handed pitcher, from his minor league contract, allowing him to pursue a new opportunity with an Asian team. This decision comes just four weeks after Veneziano signed with the Texas Rangers. As a non-roster player, the team respects his choice to explore international options, provided he receives a guaranteed offer from a foreign club.
Veneziano, a 28-year-old veteran of three MLB seasons, made his big league debut with the Royals in 2023, pitching 2 1/3 innings. He then split time between the Royals and Marlins in 2024, contributing 13 1/3 innings, and last season, he pitched 25 innings for the Marlins and Cardinals. The Cardinals claimed him off the Marlins' waiver wire and later outrighted him from the 40-man roster, leading to his decision to become a minor league free agent.
His MLB career has been marked by a 3.98 ERA over 40 2/3 innings, with a 4.68 ERA in 2025. Veneziano's strikeout rate is respectable at 21.4%, but his walk rate in 2025 was high at 9.4%. Control has been a concern, as he walked 20 batters in 24 2/3 innings of Triple-A play last season, resulting in a 5.11 ERA. Veneziano has primarily been a reliever, with only one start in his 40 Major League games, and he has been transitioning into a full-time bullpen role.
By releasing Veneziano, the Rangers enable him to seek better financial prospects overseas, as he would otherwise only earn the minimum MLB salary in 2026. This decision highlights the team's commitment to supporting players' career development and exploring international opportunities.
