The Texas Rangers have added another left-handed arm to their organizational depth, agreeing to a minor league contract with Anthony Veneziano that includes an invitation to major league spring training. While the move may not generate headlines on its own, it represents a low-risk addition for a club that is in the process of reshaping a bullpen that looks very different than it did at the end of last season.

Veneziano, 28, has accumulated parts of three major league seasons, spending time with the Royals, Marlins, and Cardinals. His most recent big league opportunity came in 2024, when Miami claimed him off waivers late in the year. That stint created a brief overlap with Rangers manager Skip Schumaker, who was managing the Marlins at the time. Although Veneziano did not spend long in Miami, the familiarity could work in his favor as he competes for opportunities in camp this spring.

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At the major league level, Veneziano has logged just over 40 innings, posting a 3.98 ERA across those appearances. While the sample size is modest, it hints at a pitcher who can be serviceable in short bursts. Veneziano relies primarily on a four-seam fastball that typically sits in the low-to-mid 90s, generally ranging from 93 to 95 mph. Over time, he has shifted his pitch usage, leaning more heavily on his slider as his primary secondary offering. He also mixes in a changeup, and during the 2025 season he incorporated a sinker into his repertoire in an effort to generate more weak contact.

Originally developed as a starting pitcher, Veneziano has transitioned almost entirely into a relief role in recent years. That shift aligns with where the Rangers currently have the most uncertainty. Texas leaned heavily on short-term veteran relievers last season, signing several bullpen arms to one-year contracts. While that approach provided stability during the year, it resulted in significant turnover once the season ended. Phil Maton, Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Danny Coulombe, and Chris Martin all reached free agency, while Jacob Webb and Josh Sborz were non-tendered. As a result, the Rangers entered the offseason with multiple bullpen spots up for grabs.

Veneziano’s recent roster journey reflects the volatility many fringe relievers face. The Cardinals claimed him off waivers from Miami in August, only to remove him from their 40-man roster in November. That outright assignment gave Veneziano the right to elect free agency, opening the door for Texas to bring him into the fold.

From the Rangers’ perspective, the appeal is clear. If Veneziano performs well enough to earn a 40-man roster spot, he still has a minor league option remaining. That flexibility would allow Texas to shuttle him between Triple-A and the majors as needed. Additionally, he has less than one full year of service time, making him an inexpensive option with potential team control beyond the upcoming season.