In the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball, a team’s success often hinges on its ability to select and develop talent via the MLB Draft. We know the Rangers have talent at the major league level, but how do they fair when it comes to selecting the talent that can make a lasting impact? Let’s take a look at The Texas Ranger’s last 5 first round draft selections.
2022: Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt/Tri-city Valleycats (3rd Ovr)
After a stellar start to his minor league campaign, striking out 42 batters in 28 innings for A+ Hickory, Rocker tore a ligament in his right elbow and will undergo Tommy John surgery. He is currently the Ranger’s 9th overall prospect.
2021: Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt (2nd Ovr)
Leiter struggled in his first season with AA Frisco. Control issues led to a 5.54 ERA and a WHIP over 1.5. This season Leiter has started to develop into the pitcher he was drafted to be, lowering his ERA to 4.02 and striking out 76 batters in 56 innings pitched so far this year. He is currently the Ranger’s 4th overall prospect.
2020: Justin Foscue, 2nd base, Mississippi State University (14th Ovr)
Since being drafted Foscue has consistently put up great numbers. He cruised through rookie and A ball, landing in AA Frisco where he put up an .850 OPS with 15 Home runs in 2022. He was promoted to AAA Round Rock in 2023 and continues to hit well, putting up a .921 OPS with 8 Home runs through 57 Games. He is currently the Ranger’s 6th overall Prospect.
2019: Josh Jung, 3rd base, Texas Tech (8th Ovr)
Jung hit the ground running right after being drafted. He cemented himself as one of the top prospects in baseball, batting over .300 in 2020 and 2021. He posted an .866 OPS in 2022, earning him a call-up to the Major Leagues. In 2023, he is having a rookie of the year campaign, holding down 3rd base for the 1st place Texas Rangers.
2018: Cole Winn, RHP, Orange Lutheran High School, (15 Ovr)
Winn started off hot in the minor leagues, winning the AA central pitcher of the year award in 2021, after posting a 2.41 ERA, striking out over 100 batters in 86 innings. Unfortunately, Winn was struck with a comeback line drive to his ankle, altering his mechanics. He subsequently put up a 6.50 ERA in 2022, and is not off to a great start in 2023, with an 8.74 ERA in 45 Innings pitched. Winn is currently the Ranger’s 13th ranked Prospect.
The Rangers entered the 2023 season with the 6th ranked Farm system by MLB Pipeline. The Ranger’s recent success combined with the depth and performance of their top prospects makes way for a Ranger’s team that is successful for many years to come.
