With the international signing period opening January 15, the Texas Rangers are expected to sign Dominican outfield prospect Elian Rosario, according to Baseball America’s Ben Badler. Rosario is one of the most prominent names in the 2026 international class and is projected to receive one of the larger bonuses on the market, ranking ninth on Baseball America’s bonus board and No. 10 overall on MLB Pipeline’s international prospect rankings.

Rosario, 17, immediately stands out for his physicality. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he already has a strong, mature build for his age and looks like a player who will continue to add strength as he gets older. That physical projection drives his biggest tool: power. Scouts view Rosario’s raw power as a potential plus to plus-plus tool in the future, with the ability to leave the ballpark to all fields. His strength allows him to do damage even when he doesn’t square the ball perfectly, and he has shown a knack for punishing mistakes, particularly fastballs left over the plate.

Like many young power hitters, Rosario’s offensive game comes with some swing-and-miss risk. His swing can get long at times, and advanced pitching could test his contact ability as he moves up the minor league ladder. However, evaluators are encouraged by his approach. Rosario shows patience at the plate, is willing to work counts, and draws walks, which gives him a chance to offset strikeouts and remain productive as a power-focused hitter. If he can keep the swing-and-miss within reason, his offensive upside is among the best in the Rangers’ lower-level pipeline.

Defensively, Rosario has an interesting background. Earlier in his development, he logged time at shortstop and third base, experience that has helped his overall athleticism and arm strength. While he’s now firmly an outfielder, that infield background shows up in his throws and body control. He is a tick-above-average runner underway, though his frame suggests he could slow as he fills out. Long term, he projects best as a corner outfielder, with right field looking like a natural fit thanks to his above-average arm.

From an organizational standpoint, Rosario is a notable addition. The Rangers’ farm system is deep in pitching and infield talent, but impact outfield prospects are harder to come by. Adding a high-upside outfielder with power potential brings more balance to the system and gives the organization another long-term offensive ceiling play.

Rosario is still years away from Arlington, and his development path will require patience. That timeline works in Texas’ favor. Wyatt Langford is under team control through the 2029 season, while Evan Carter and Brandon Nimmo are under contract through 2030. Even if extensions are reached, outfield depth will be a future need. If Rosario develops as projected, he could arrive just as the next window opens, positioning him as a potential impact bat for the Rangers toward the end of the decade.