Stretch Signs with Rangers, Becomes 11th Former Range Riders Player to Ink Affiliated Deal

KALISPELL, Mont. — The Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher Jacob Stretch, marking the 11th player in franchise history to sign a professional contract with an MLB organization directly out of the Glacier Range Riders system.

Stretch signed with the Range Riders over the offseason and was participating in the team's spring training when he received the call from the Rangers. Prior to joining the Flathead Valley club, the West Grove, Pennsylvania, native spent time in the Baltimore Orioles system. Last season with the Delmarva Shorebirds, he posted a 3.29 ERA across eight appearances while recording 16 strikeouts. Stretchfinished his collegiate career at Virginia Tech, appearing in 22 games for the Hokies after transferring from Division II Frostburg State.

"Even though my time with the Glacier Range Riders was brief, I'm incredibly thankful for the organization and the opportunity to be around such a professional environment," Stretch said. "I appreciate the support from the coaching staff and everyone I met in the Flathead Valley, and I'm excitedfor the chance to continue my career with the Texas Rangers organization at the next level."

Since the organization was founded in 2022, the Glacier Range Riders have led the Pioneer League in both affiliated signings and MLB debuts. Stretch's signing marks the 11th player to make the jump from the Range Riders to an MLB organization — further cementing the club's reputation as a benchmark in both the league and independent baseball.

"Jacob came in and immediately went about things the right way," Range Riders manager Todd Pratt said. "Sometimes players are only with you for a short time, but you can still tell a lot about their character and ability. We're excited that the Rangers saw something in him and gave him this opportunity. Everyone here is wishing him the best as he takes this next step."

The Glacier Range Riders are an MLB Partner League baseball team located in Kalispell, Montana. Established in 2022, the Range Riders compete in the Pioneer Baseball League (PBL) and will begin their fifth season of play in May. To learn about the team, visit GoRangeRiders.com.