The Texas Rangers invited former Cherryville High School standout Dalton Pence to spring training as a non-roster left-handed pitcher, according to a Jan. 29 announcement by the organization.
Pence, who was drafted in the 11th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft, made his pro debut in 2025 with the Single-A Hickory Crawdads. Less than three months into the season, Pence earned a promotion to the High-A Hub City Spartanburgers of the South Atlantic League.
In his debut season, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Pence went 4-4 with a 2.73 ERA while appearing in 31 games and starting 18. Pence recorded 103 strikeouts.
According to the Rangers’ profile of Pence, the lefthander relies on a “high ride” fastball (91-95 mph) that generates “significant swing and miss.” He is currently working on a slider and a splitter to support his transition to a starting pitcher role.
Pence, 23, was a key bullpen arm at the University of North Carolina, earning second-team All-America honors in 2024. He posted a 2.45 ERA with eight saves and helped the Tar Heels advance to the College World Series.
The Rangers’ spring training home is Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Ariz., 25 miles northwest of Phoenix. Texas opens the 2026 exhibition season Feb. 22 at home against the Colorado Rockies.