2025 MLB Draft: AJ Russell contract details revealed for Texas Rangers second-round pick

Had there been no injuries involved, AJ Russell might have been a first-round pick. Instead, the Texas Rangers decided to take a chance on the now-former Tennessee pitcher in the second round. And on Wednesday, Russell and the Rangers came to an over-slot contract agreement.

“2nd-rder A.J. Russell signs w/@Rangers for $2.6 million (slot 52 value = $1,846,700),” Jim Callis said via X. “@Vol_Baseball RHP, 1st-rd talent but had internal brace surgery in June 2024, unicorn fastball up to 98 mph with crazy metrics, sweeping low-80s slider.”

Initially, shoulder soreness was why Russell missed time. Some point in his forearm turned into the previously mentioned internal brace surgery. Russell did get back on the mound for the 2025 season but did not play a massive role for Tennessee.

He made a total of 42 appearances on Rocky Top, 11 of which were starts. Only 70.0 innings pitched resulted in an ERA of 2.70. Opponents were held to an incredible .179 batting average, striking out 104 times and walking just 26 times.

The Rangers appear set to allow Russell to get back to full health. From there, an exact plan on his future should be revealed. But for now, president of baseball operations Chris Young is hoping to have snagged a second-round steal.

What MLB Draft analysts are saying about AJ Russell

A scouting report was produced on Russell by MLB Pipeline ahead of the draft. They spent a good chunk of the report talking about how special a fastball Russell possesses. On an 80-grade scale, the pitch comes in at 70-grade, and could have even been higher.

“Russell has a unicorn fastball that could grade as a true 80 offering if he adds more velocity,” the scouting report said. “It sits at 92-94 mph and tops out at 98 with the best heater metrics in the Draft thanks to an exceptionally low release point, wide angle, significant armside run and carry up in the zone. He can get swings-and-misses inside and outside of the strike zone with his fastball, and on the rare occasions when hitters make contact, they almost never drive it in the air.”

Russell also throws a slider and changeup, with the breaking ball being more highly thought of. If the Rangers can get Russell to produce “feel” on the changeup, MLB Pipeline believes the ability to be a frontline starter is there. If not, closing out games is certainly an option as well.