June 3, 2025
The Texas Rangers have officially named rookie right-hander Emiliano Teodo as their new closer, marking a bold shift in the team’s approach to handling the late innings. The announcement, made Tuesday morning by Manager Bruce Bochy and President of Baseball Operations Chris Young, signals a strategic pivot as the Rangers look to stabilize their bullpen for the second half of the season.
Teodo, 24, has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the Rangers’ system thanks to a high-octane arsenal that includes a fastball routinely clocked between 100–102 mph and a devastating slider that has baffled hitters at every level. His breakout performance at Triple-A Round Rock this season featured a 2.15 ERA, 40 strikeouts, and just 9 walks across 30 innings pitched—numbers that showcased both his raw stuff and improved command.
“Emiliano’s stuff is electric,” said Bochy during the team’s media session. “He’s not just overpowering hitters—he’s doing it with confidence and maturity. We’ve seen the work he’s put in, and this is a decision based on performance. We’re handing him the ball in the ninth, and we believe he’s ready.”
Teodo’s promotion comes at a critical time for the Rangers, who have struggled to lock down games in the late innings. Veterans in the bullpen—including José Leclerc and David Robertson—have been inconsistent in high-leverage situations, forcing the club to consider new options internally. With postseason aspirations still alive in a competitive AL West, the Rangers are hoping Teodo can be the missing piece to solidify the backend of their bullpen.
Chris Young echoed the sentiment. “We’ve been watching Emiliano closely all year. He has the mentality, the presence, and the stuff to pitch in the biggest moments. We aren’t just plugging a hole—we’re betting on a long-term weapon.”
Teodo, a native of the Dominican Republic, signed with the Rangers as an international free agent in 2019 and has steadily climbed through the system. Though he had previously been developed as a starter, scouts have long speculated that his high-velocity profile and aggressive pitching style were tailor-made for a late-inning role.
To make room for Teodo on the active roster, the Rangers optioned left-hander Brock Burke to Triple-A, emphasizing their desire to reset the bullpen hierarchy heading into a pivotal stretch of the season. The move also reflects the growing trend in MLB to trust young, high-velocity arms in closer roles—provided they can handle the pressure.
Teodo is expected to make his debut in the role later this week when the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field. With his triple-digit heat and fearless mound presence, all eyes will be on whether he can bring stability—and dominance—to the ninth inning.
“He’s got the potential to be a game-changer for us,” Bochy added. “We’re not easing him in. He’s the guy now.”
The Rangers currently sit in the middle of the AL West standings, looking to make a run in the tightly contested division. With the addition of Teodo in the closer role, the front office has made its intentions clear: the time to compete is now, and they’re putting their trust in one of the most electric young arms in the game.
