Rangers Claim Speedy Outfielder Off Waivers
Blanco had been designated for assignment by Kansas City earlier in the week after the Royals reshaped their outfield mix, and Texas quickly jumped on the opportunity to bring in the speedy Cuban-born outfielder.
Rangers Add Speed With Dairon Blanco Waiver Claim
Blanco, who turns 33 this season, has quietly built a reputation as one of baseball’s most effective pinch runners.
In 171 career Major League games, he has posted a .257/.312/.416 slash line with seven home runs and 12 doubles, while swiping 59 stolen bases.
The Texas Rangers have claimed Cuban outfielder Dairon Blanco off waivers, per sources.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 8, 2026
Blanco, 32, played the last four seasons with the Royals and offers speed and contact.
It will be interesting to see what he might do in Texas.
His speed has been especially valuable in late-game situations. Since debuting in 2022, Blanco has made 64 pinch-running appearances, the most in MLB during that span.
Thirty of his steals have come as a pinch runner, placing him among the most effective late-game base-stealing threats in recent league history.
Royals Move Blanco After Outfield Shuffle
The Royals ultimately designated Blanco for assignment after adding new outfield pieces during the offseason, including veteran Starling Marte, which squeezed him out of a crowded roster mix. Despite the roster crunch, Blanco remained productive when called upon.
The Rangers have claimed outfielder Dairon Blanco off waivers from the Royals
— (26- 36)Anthony Ramirez 🇮🇪/🇲🇽 (@Talkin2Tony) March 8, 2026
pic.twitter.com/dGrtoAmTKl
Over the past two seasons, he posted a .258/.316/.422 batting line across 157 games, with much of his offensive success coming against left-handed pitching.
He also proved dangerous on the bases, going 55-for-67 on stolen base attempts between 2023 and 2024, an impressive 82 percent success rate.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
.jpg)
