Texas Rangers Add Alan Trejo and Billy McKinney to Boost Minor League Depth

The Texas Rangers have officially signed infielder Alan Trejo and outfielder/first baseman Billy McKinney to minor league contracts, according to updates on MiLB.com. Both players are now active with the club’s Triple-A affiliate, Round Rock Express, marking an effort by the reigning World Series champions to reinforce their depth with experienced but unpolished talent.

For Alan Trejo, this marks a return to familiar territory. The 28-year-old utility infielder began the season with Round Rock before being traded to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for cash considerations. He appeared in 13 major league games for Colorado during a stretch of roster injuries, but hit just .175 with two doubles during that stint. Now back in the Rangers’ system, Trejo is slashing .211/.247/.352 in 19 Triple-A games this season. While his lifetime MLB batting average sits at .224, his true value lies in his ability to cover every infield position with confidence.

Billy McKinney, meanwhile, arrives following a release from the New York Mets’ Triple-A squad. The 30-year-old left-handed bat has logged nearly 1,000 MLB plate appearances across seven teams, posting a career .209/.284/.386 slash line. Though he struggled with the Mets’ affiliate in 2024—batting .184 with 34 strikeouts in 33 games—his career Triple-A numbers are far more encouraging. McKinney has hit .266 with a .487 slugging percentage in his time across eight minor league seasons and will look to rediscover that form in Round Rock.

Both signings align with the Rangers’ broader strategy of stockpiling positional flexibility and major league experience at the Triple-A level. While neither Trejo nor McKinney is expected to make an immediate impact at the big-league level, their presence provides valuable insurance as the club navigates a demanding summer schedule.

The path back to the majors will depend largely on their performance in Round Rock. With the Rangers contending and injuries always a possibility, strong minor league showings from either player could prompt a call-up later in the season. For now, however, both will serve as seasoned reinforcements for the Rangers’ depth chart.