The Texas Rangers have traded Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher José Ruiz.

Today, the Texas Rangers bid farewell to a former top prospect by trading right-hander Dane Dunning to the Braves, receiving relief pitcher José Ruiz and cash in return.

Dunning was ranked among MLB's top 100 prospects in 2021 and, after being designated for assignment on April 30, 2025, he moved between the Triple-A Round Rock Express and the major leagues. After primarily serving as a starting pitcher for the Rangers in his first four seasons, he has appeared in five games this season as a reliever, posting an earned run average (ERA) of 3.38.

Dunning's best season in the major leagues came in 2023, when he made 26 starts and 9 relief appearances, achieving an ERA of 3.70 over 172.2 innings. However, his performance declined in 2024, as he posted an ERA of 5.31 in 26 games for the Rangers (15 starts).

He could become an option for the Braves' starting rotation, as the team is currently facing injuries to Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, and AJ Smith-Shawver. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Atlanta Braves also designated veteran reliever Jesse Chavez for assignment.

Ruiz has only appeared in two games for the Braves this season, with an ERA of 13.50. He began the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he made 16 relief appearances with an ERA of 8.16, before being designated for assignment on June 1 and subsequently claimed off waivers by the Braves. He will report to the Rangers' Triple-A team.