On November 8th it was announced that 5 Texas Rangers prospects were selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game
The first one was 2B/SS Max Acosta. Acosta has hit .305 in the 16 games he’s played in 12 runs while collecting 8 XBH with one of them leaving the yard. He has also tallied 7 SBs this fall showcasing his skill set on the basepath as he continues. Acosta saw his OPS jump up 75 points in 2024 and has continued his hot hand in the Fall League.
Secondly, we have the 2024 spring break-out Marc Church named to the Fall Stars. The RHP has been steady in his 5 and 2/3 innings pitched, allowing 3 Runs. Church has fanned 9 batter through the 5 2/3 innings showcasing he has swing and miss stuff, but his ERA doesn’t tell the full tale on his performance this season in the AFL as one Homer cost him mightily.
Next, we have the 2B/3B Cody Freeman as he has had an outstanding Fall slashing .308/.416/.508 driving in 8 runs while sending 2 out of the ballpark. Freeman has nearly got his walk/strikeout rate to 1:1 as he’s taking far more walks than he usually does. Freeman had an much improved fall compared to his 2022 stint where he only slashed .179 with an .554 OPS.
The star of the show has been Josh Stephan. Stephan, who’s trying to make up for lost time due to injuries, has hurled 20 innings this fall with a 2.25 ERA in his six appearances. He has struck out 21 while walking 5, and has cemented his name as one to potentially look out for in 2025 as he looks to prove he has major league-ready skills.
Finally, the 2024 Rangers Minor League Player of the Year Alejandro Osuna. There’s so much to say about the 22 year old who’s making a name for himself with each game he plays. Osuna has continued his amazing pace slashing .333 this fall with an .977 OPS. While on his torrid run, Osuna has driven in 16 while having 2 leave the yard, and drawing 20 walks in his 102 Plate Appearances. Osuna is a name you could hear as a soring breakout and a candidate for a fast rise throughout the Rangers system.
Congrats to these 5 ballplayers who have gone above and beyond, getting their hard work and play rewarded with this accomplishment. These guys are poised to be looked at heavily in spring and heading into the 2025 Major League and Minor League season next year.
Be sure to keep up and watch the AFL in its final days as the regular season ends on Thursday the 14th.
