Range Riders send Jacob Stretch, Luke Cooper to MLB clubs

The Glacier Range Riders continue to build a reputation as one of the top pipelines to affiliated baseball in the Pioneer League. 

Over the weekend, the organization saw two more players sign with MLB clubs as right-handed pitcher Jacob Stretch inked a deal with the Texas Rangers and reliever Luke Cooper signed with the Los Angeles Angels. The signings bring the Range Riders’ total to 12 affiliated professional contracts since the franchise launched in 2022. 

Stretch had only recently joined the organization after signing over the summer and participating in spring training when he received the call from Texas. Before arriving in Kalispell, the Pennsylvania native spent time in the Baltimore Orioles system and posted a 3.29 ERA with 16 strikeouts in eight appearances for the Delmarva Shorebirds last season. He also pitched collegiately at Virginia Tech after transferring from Division II Frostburg State. 

Cooper’s path looked much different. The right-hander spent parts of two seasons in the Flathead Valley and became one of the club’s most reliable bullpen arms. In 2025, Cooper posted a 3.60 ERA with three saves and 74 strikeouts in 50 innings while tying a franchise record with 45 appearances. 

Range Riders manager Todd Pratt praised both players in the organization’s releases, pointing to their professionalism and development during their time in Kalispell. 

Cooper said the organization “changed my life,” while Stretch thanked the club for giving him an opportunity to continue chasing professional baseball.