Rangers Release Outfielder Cody Thomas as Roster Shifts Begin

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers released outfielder Cody Thomas from his minor league contract on Wednesday, just days before the start of the 2025 season. After a disappointing performance in spring training, where he slashed .111/.238/.278 across 21 plate appearances, Thomas was unable to secure a spot on the team.

General Manager Chris Young confirmed the decision, noting that the team is focused on optimizing their roster ahead of Opening Day. Thomas, 30, will now seek opportunities with other clubs to continue his career. He previously played 29 Major League games with the Oakland Athletics between 2022-23 and had a lifetime MLB batting average of .250.

During his time with the Rangers, Thomas made a minor league deal after spending the previous season in Japan with the Orix Buffaloes. However, he struggled abroad, hitting 0-for-18 with seven strikeouts in just 10 games for the Nippon Professional Baseball team.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are finalizing their roster with several significant moves. Young announced that veteran pitcher Patrick Corbin will begin the season with Triple-A Round Rock. Corbin, who signed a one-year free agent deal on March 18 following the birth of his third child, agreed to be optioned after not pitching in any spring training games.

Corbin is slated for two starts with Round Rock before being recalled, with a target debut date of April 11. Young told reporters that the team is confident in Corbin’s ability to contribute when he returns to the big league roster.

Hence, the Rangers also reassigned multiple minor league signees to Triple-A, including pitchers Josh Sborz and Jonathan Hernández, among others. These adjustments highlight the club’s ongoing effort to refine its roster ahead of a challenging season.

In more spring training updates, the Rangers faced the Colorado Rockies in a recent game where catcher Mitch Garver showcased his power, hitting a home run as part of Texas’ lineup. Garver’s performance, along with other players, indicates a solid forecast for the Rangers as they prepare for the upcoming season.

As teams around Major League Baseball finalize their rosters, the intense competition for spots continues, making every decision critical to a team’s success.