The Texas Rangers have added Dylan Moore on a minor league contract two days after Seattle designated him for assignment, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The move comes as Texas copes with a setback to second baseman Marcus Semien, who sustained a fracture and sprain in his left foot that is likely to end his season.
This marks Moore’s return to the Rangers organization, who drafted him in 2015. He broke into the majors with Seattle in 2019 and, aside from the COVID-shortened 2020 season, never became a full-time hitter. What he did bring was standout defense, earning the 2024 Gold Glove as a utility player who could handle multiple positions but not catcher. In 2024, Moore appeared in 88 games, slashing .193 with a .622 OPS and stealing 12 bases. Seattle released him to accommodate the roster move involving Victor Robles, who had been activated from the 60-day injured list.
Robles now faces a 10-game suspension for throwing his bat toward the pitcher’s mound during a minor league rehab game; he’s appealing the penalty and remains eligible to play for Seattle during the process.
For the Rangers, Moore’s signing arrives as they strive to stay in the playoff picture. Texas sits at 66-67, 5.5 games out of the American League Wild Card race heading into Tuesday’s action.
On the financial side, the Mariners still owe Moore the remainder of his $3.575 million salary for the year. If he is called up by Texas, he would receive a prorated portion of the $760,000 league minimum. Moore will be a free agent at season’s end and would be eligible for inclusion on the postseason roster if the Rangers make a late push.
Why this moves matters: Moore’s elite defensive versatility gives Texas more flexibility as Semien’s injury creates a vacancy and forces lineup and position-shuffling decisions. While his bat hasn’t produced consistently, his glove could help stabilize multiple spots down the stretch and into whatever September roster planning the team pursues.
Summary: The Rangers add a Gold Glove-winning defender to reinforce their depth as they chase a postseason spot, leveraging Moore’s multi-position experience while navigating the implications of Semien’s injury and the evolving rosters around them. A positive takeaway is that Texas gains defensive insurance and options without sacrificing future versatility, even as the team continues to manage the short-term impact of injuries.