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The case of the PTBNL: Why it's used in MLB, and how effective the Rangers are at finding diamonds in the rough

The Rangers lead the majors in players to be named later with two still to be determined after the addition of 17-year-old outfielder Alex Ovellas from the Chicago Cubs to complete the Cole Hamels deal.

The best-ever PTBNL is David Arias, who changed his name to David Ortiz after going from Seattle to Minnesota. "Big Papi" made his mark with Boston.

Many are tied for the distinction of worst-ever PTBNL. The Rangers' contribution is the pitching trio of Neal Mersch, Bob Polansky and Mark Softy. Received in a 1979 deal as PTBNLs along with outfielder Mickey Rivers, none appeared in a game in the minor league system, according to baseballreference.