The Texas Rangers this evening announced that the club has acquired minor league outfielder Alexander Ovalles from the Chicago Cubs. The acquisition of Ovalles completes a July 27 trade in which the Rangers received right-handed pitchers Eddie Butler and Rollie Lacy and a player to be named later from the Cubs in exchange for left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels and cash considerations.
Ovalles, 17, has batted .316 (24-76) with no home runs, 8 RBI, 16 walks, 14 strikeouts, and a .799 OPS over 21 games with the Cubs2 team in the Dominican Summer League this year, his first professional action. He has been sidelined after having surgery for a broken hamate bone, and recently resumed batting in his return from the surgery. Ovalles last played in a game on June 26. He has appeared at first base and all three outfield positions this season.
A native of the Domincan Republic, the left-handed batter and thrower was signed by the Cubs as an international free agent on July 27, 2017.