Former Seattle Mariners Slugger Signs on with Division Rival Texas Rangers

Rowdy Tellez, who hit 11 homers for the Mariners before being designated for assignment, is signing with the Texas Rangers.

Seattle Mariners first baseman Rowdy Tellez (23) hits a double against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park on June 13. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Rowdy Tellez, who was recently released by the Seattle Mariners, is signing on with their division rivals, the Texas Rangers.

It's a minor league deal, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic:

The Texas Rangers and first baseman Rowdy Tellez are in agreement on a minor-league deal, league sources said.

In 62 games with the Seattle Mariners earlier this year, Tellez hit 11 home runs.

— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) July 4, 2025

The Mariners designated Tellez for assignment before the start of their last road trip, making the call once Luke Raley came back from the injured list. Moving on from Tellez also allowed the M's to keep Dominic Canzone, who has played better since returning to the big-league roster.

An eight-year veteran of the Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Mariners, Tellez is a .232 career hitter with 116 homers. Now 30 years old, he hit .208 for the Mariners with 11 homers. He had been signed to a minor league deal in the offseason and paired with Donovan Solano as a first base platoon. He played in 62 games with Seattle and became more valuable to the roster once Raley was injured at the end of April. With Raley back, the M's appear content to use Raley and Solano at the position, and they could go out and acquire someone else as well.

As for the Rangers, they enter play on Friday at 43-44 and with first base questions of their own. Jake Burger had been the plan, but he's been injured and spent time in Triple-A as well because of struggles.

The Mariners will continue their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend, while the Rangers take on the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

Related Stories on Seattle Mariners

NEW PODCAST IS OUT: Brady is back on a Monday, talking about the series win over the Texas Rangers, and the big homestand that begins on Monday against the Royals and Pirates. Furthermore, what's the future for Randy Arozarena in Seattle, and we're joined by M's top prospect Colt Emerson, who is the No. 16 prospect in baseball. CLICK HERE:

IN THE RECORD BOOKS: After a solid, six-inning start on Monday night, George Kirby is in the company of some Mariners' legends. CLICK HERE:

MILESTONE RANDY: Randy Arozarena hit his 100th career home run on Monday night, becoming the third M's player to accomplish the feat this season. CLICK HERE:

Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media

Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @RefuseToLosePod. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.