The Texas Rangers have claimed outfielder Dairon Blanco off waivers from the Kansas City Royals and placed left-hander Jordan Montgomery on the 60-day injured list. This move, announced on Sunday, allows the 32-year-old Cuban player to join the Rangers’ roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Blanco was designated for assignment by Kansas City last week. Over his four seasons in Major League Baseball, he has played 171 games, achieving a batting average of .257, with seven home runs and 34 runs batted in (RBIs). Known for his speed, Blanco has successfully stolen 59 bases in 73 attempts, making him a valuable asset on the base paths. Since the start of the 2022 season, he has made 64 appearances as a pinch-runner, the highest number in the league.
In the 2023 season, Blanco played for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, where he batted .253 and recorded 32 stolen bases. His swift movement and ability to change the dynamics of a game make him an appealing addition to the Rangers’ lineup.
The Rangers recently signed Montgomery to a one-year deal while he continues recovery from a second elbow reconstruction surgery. Montgomery was a pivotal player in the Rangers’ journey to their first World Series championship in 2023. During his time with the team, he posted a record of 4-2 and a 2.79 earned run average (ERA) over 11 regular-season games after being acquired at the trade deadline.
Montgomery’s contributions were especially notable during the American League Championship Series, where he secured two victories, including the crucial Game 7 against the Houston Astros. After the season, he entered free agency and subsequently signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he recorded an 8-7 record with a 6.23 ERA in 2024. Unfortunately, he missed the entirety of the following season.
In his eight-year career in Major League Baseball, Montgomery has played for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and Arizona Diamondbacks. His overall record stands at 46 wins and 41 losses, with a career ERA of 4.03 across 166 games.
As the Rangers make these roster adjustments, they remain focused on building a competitive team for the upcoming season, highlighting their commitment to enhancing their performance both on the field and in the standings.
