Rangers Release Anthony Veneziano in Latest Roster Move

This article takes a look at the Texas Rangers’ decision to release left-handed pitcher Anthony Veneziano from his minor-league contract. They did it so he could chase a guaranteed spot with a professional team in Asia. It’s another sign of how unpredictable roster moves have become—and honestly, how baseball careers are just more global than ever.

Rangers Part Ways With Anthony Veneziano

The Texas Rangers quietly moved on from lefty Anthony Veneziano. He got released from his minor-league deal so he could take a guaranteed contract overseas, reportedly with a team in Asia. For someone not on the 40-man roster, this mutual split isn’t that surprising—especially when guaranteed money is involved.

Veneziano had only spent about four weeks in the Rangers organization. Since he wasn’t on the 40-man, Texas could let him go once a better international opportunity popped up. From the player’s side, having some job security—and knowing your role—often beats rolling the dice on a minor-league gig in the States.

Why International Leagues Appeal to Fringe MLB Arms

Asian pro leagues have become a real option for pitchers on the edge of MLB rosters. The draw? Guaranteed contracts, steady innings, and a chance to boost your value. That’s tough to ignore.

• Guaranteed salary compared to minor-league pay
• Opportunity to start rather than relieve
• Higher visibility and defined roles

A Look at Veneziano’s MLB Track Record

At 28, Veneziano brings some actual big-league experience. He debuted with a short two-game stint for the Kansas City Royals in 2023, then bounced between the Royals and Miami Marlins in 2024. That year, he logged 13 1/3 innings at the MLB level.

He saw the most action in 2025, throwing 25 innings split between Miami and St. Louis. The Cardinals picked him up off waivers after the deadline but dropped him from the 40-man in November. He chose minor-league free agency after that, which eventually landed him in Texas.

Performance by the Numbers

In 40 2/3 major-league innings, Veneziano holds a 3.98 ERA. But his 2025 numbers were shakier, with a 4.68 ERA and some growing control issues.

• Career strikeout rate: 21.4%
• Walk rate in 2025: 9.4%
• Triple-A ERA in 2025: 5.11

Control Issues and a Bullpen Transition

Veneziano’s strikeout numbers have held up, but his command hasn’t. In Triple-A last season, he walked 20 batters and struck out just 18 over 24 2/3 innings. That kind of ratio makes it tough for teams to trust you in big spots.

These struggles lined up with a role change. After moving to the bullpen in 2024, Veneziano worked almost entirely as a reliever in 2025. He did get one MLB start as an opener, but his days as a regular starter in the majors seemed pretty much over.

A Chance to Reinvent Himself Overseas

International leagues can give pitchers like Veneziano a shot to redefine their identity. Plenty of guys have rebuilt their careers abroad, and some even make it back to MLB—or just stick around and thrive overseas.

What This Means for Veneziano and the Rangers

The Rangers made a low-risk move here. They clear up some minor-league depth and keep their reputation solid in the industry.

For Veneziano, this is a shot at guaranteed money. He also gets steady innings and maybe even another chance to start.

Anthony Veneziano’s next chapter reminds us that baseball careers don’t always stick to one continent. Sometimes, the best move isn’t climbing the depth chart—it’s heading overseas and seeing what happens.

 
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