The Texas Rangers have added a few top prospects to their farm system as a team who has struggled the past few seasons. Over the past five seasons, the Rangers have finished at least third place in the AL West. This has led to them picking in the top half of the MLB draft. This has brought prospects that have jumped to the big leagues (Josh Jung, Ezequiel Duran, and Dane Dunning). They have also been able to stockpile their farm system with up-and-comers.
Texas Rangers Top Prospects in Their Farm System
OF Evan Carter
Texas drafted the left-handed hitting outfielder in the second round of the 2020 draft. One of Carter’s main assets at the plate is his advanced approach, which consists of his excellent pitch recognition and control of the zone. This has led to him matching his walk total from 2022 already. This has been done in 21 fewer games.
His swing is a smooth left-handed swing that has yet to show a lot of power to it. But, with added strength and filling into his 6-4 frame, he should be able to add some pop to his bat (13 home runs in 2023).
On the base paths, Carter has above-average speed. So far this season, he has been able to swipe 18 bases. His rate also translates to the field as well. Mixed in with above-average arm strength, Carter is viewed as an MLB centerfielder.
With potential at the plate, Carter has earned a spot at the top of the Texas Rangers farm system. He is also ranked number eight in the top 100 prospects in the MLB.
OF Wyatt Langford
The Former Florida Gator, Langford, was selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft by the Rangers. He came into the draft viewed as the top-hitting prospect in the class. He can drive the ball to all parts of the field with his above-average power. Along with his power at the plate, Langford possesses a mature approach at the plate. With this mature approach and ability, he is viewed as a potential 35-home-run-a-season type hitter.
Defensively, Langford has an average outfield arm but projects as a corner outfielder in the big leagues.
After being drafted, Langford has been ranked the number 13 prospect in all baseball. In 12 games in professional ball, his power has been on display. He has been able to do 11 extra-base hits and is slugging .750.
Langford should be knocking on the door to the Rangers lineup in the next season or two.
SS Sebastian Walcott
Another top 100 prospect in the Rangers farm system, Walcott(#66), was an international signing in 2023 by Texas. At the ripe age of 17, Walcott has the typical developments to make to his game. This includes his discipline while at the plate. But he also possesses good hand-eye coordination at the scale and approach.
His bat could develop into a 30-home-run-a-season type bat. But Walcott must fill into his 6-4 frame to get to that.
So far, in 2023, he’s been able to tally ten doubles, three triples, and seven home runs in 40 games.
In the field, he has an above-average arm at shortstop but could eventually move to third base.
RHP Brock Porter
Viewed as one of the top pitchers in the 2022 draft, Porter slid due to concerns about his deciding to play college ball. This led to the Rangers being able to select him in the 4th round of the draft. The 97th-ranked prospect in the MLB should be able to climb the Ranger’s farm system ranks rather quickly. This is in large part due to the arsenal of pitches Porter possesses.
Starting with a fastball that was viewed as one of the best of all the prep pitchers in the draft, he sits at 94-97 miles per hour. But his top pitch is most likely his low 80s changeup. This pitch has massive movement on it and gets batters to chase often. He also possesses a mid-80s slider and an upper-70s curveball with above-average pitches.
So far in 2023, after not pitching in 2022, Porter has put up some solid numbers. In just over 58 innings, he has struck out a total of 78 batters and held them to a .163 batting average. He has also limited the long ball threat this year, only allowing one total home run.
Porter could push for the Rangers rotation in the next season or two.
RHP Jack Leiter
After being picked second overall in the 2021 draft by Texas, Leiter quickly climbed to the top 100 prospects in baseball. He finished last season at number 17 but has fallen out of the top 100 this season.
Even with that, Leiter is still one of Texas’ top farm system pitchers, thanks to his pitching arsenal. At the top end of that arsenal is his 93-98 miles per hour fastball. This pitch is seen by many as an elite pitch for Leiter. He also carries a mid-80s slider, an upper-70s curveball, and a mid-80s changeup. But, he has seemed to need help with his curveball and rarely uses his changeup.
On the mound, Leiter needs to improve his control and command, especially on his fastball. So far in 2023, he has given up 11 home runs and 43 walks in 15 starts.
But, if Leiter can improve and get back to what made him the number two pick in the draft, he could be back on track to be a rotation piece for the Rangers shortly.
Overall, the Texas Rangers farm system holds top-end talent that will be able to make an impact in the next few years, barring any setbacks or injuries.
Main Photo Credits: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
