Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kohl Drake
It’s no secret that the Texas Rangers have historically had issues developing pitchers, but there’s a glimmer of hope with recent prospects. Talent like Cody Bradford (MLB Debut in ’23), Jack Leiter (MLB Debut in ’24) Kumar Rocker (MLB Debut in ’24), Kohl Drake, Emiliano Teodo, Mitch Bratt, Alejandro Rosario, and others are changing hoping to change that narrative. Kohl Drake, who is one of the not so many left-handers in the system, had a remarkable 2024 season.
At 6’5″ and weighing 220 lbs, Kohl Drake is a physically formidable presence on the mound. His talent matches his stature, securing him the no. 7 spot on The Prospect Times’ rankings and the 5th best pitching prospect within the Rangers’ system. MLB Pipeline ranks him at no. 21, and Just Baseball identifies him as a notable player just outside their top 15 prospects.
The Journey to Professional Baseball
Back in 2022, at Walters State, Drake was the talk of the town, earning the NJCAA Division I Baseball Pitcher of the Year with an astonishing 160 strikeouts in just 93.1 innings, going 14-0 for the Senators.
This performance led to him being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB draft. After he signed the Rangers assigned him to the ACL Rangers where first taste of pro ball in the Arizona Complex League.
His initial stats were promising, with a 3.09 ERA over 11.2 innings, but his transition to Low-A Down East was a learning curve, reflected in his 7.46 ERA.
A Transformative Offseason
During the 2023 offseason, Drake underwent significant changes at the Rangers’ pitching lab. Losing 20 pounds, he not only increased his fastball speed but also his confidence, which was evident in his 2024 season where he advanced through three levels in the Rangers’ system:
- Low-A Down East: 43 innings, 1.67 ERA, 71 strikeouts, 2-1 record.
- High-A Hickory: 42.2 innings, 2.53 ERA, 57 strikeouts, 5-3 record.
- Double-A Frisco: 20.1 innings, 3.10 ERA, 20 strikeouts, 2-1 record.
This season, Kohl Drake achieved a career-high of 106 innings pitched while amassing 148 strikeouts, leading the entire Texas Rangers farm system in strikeouts.
Kohl Drake’s Draft Story
“Well after high school, I attended a Division 2 school called Arkansas Tech. After one year there, I decided to transfer to San Joaquin Delta College in California to try and play Division 1 baseball and potentially get drafted to pro ball. That year is when the COVID pandemic happened, so our season got canceled, and there was also not going to be a 2021 baseball season for California community colleges. I decided to transfer to Walters State so that way I would be able to pitch in a season. After that season, I didn’t get drafted and decided the best way for me to get drafted was to return to Walters for another year, which was only an option because of the pandemic. Got a lot stronger over that summer and had a great fall and spring which led me to get drafted by the Rangers, and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.”
Baseball Beginnings and Influences
- How did you get started in baseball? Were you a multi-sport athlete?
“I started playing baseball when I was 6 years old and never played any other sports other than golfing occasionally.” - Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
“Both of my parents have been huge influences on my career. They both have great work ethics and have really pushed and helped me to become the best ball player I can be since I started playing.”
Physical Health and Seasonal Growth
- You had an excellent year across three different levels and pitched the most innings of your career this season at 106. How did your arm hold up?
“My arm feels amazing as I’m starting to get back into throwing at the moment. Very grateful that I was able to have a full healthy season and hope to continue with good health going into next season.” - Were you trying anything new this season compared to last season?
“This season I didn’t try to do anything different, really just pitched to what I was good at and trusted that my strengths would allow me to have success.”
Adjusting to Higher Levels
- What has been the biggest adjustment from high school to college to pro ball?
“The biggest adjustment I have had to go through from level to level was pitch execution. As you go up levels in baseball, execution of pitches becomes the most important thing in my experience.”
Pitching Repertoire
- What is your repertoire, and what would you say is your best pitch?
“I currently throw a 4-seam fastball, changeup, curveball, and a cutter. My best pitch for sure is my changeup.”
Off-Season Focus
- Are you working on anything specifically this off-season?
“This offseason I’m just building off of what I did last time. Making sure I’m healthy and feeling good while also getting stronger and moving efficiently down the mound.”
Home and Personal Life
- We know you’re from Sachse and went to Wylie High. Where do you call home in the off-season?
“Sachse is still my home in the off-season. I train locally in Allen, Texas.” - What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
“I don’t really think there is anything that would surprise people about me. I feel like I’m just a normal guy.” - What are your hobbies?
“Golf is for sure my biggest hobby. Other than that, I like to spend time with my family and my dog.” - What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
“My favorite home-cooked meal is the enchiladas that my family makes.” - Does pineapple belong on pizza?
“Pineapple does not belong on pizza.” - Which MLB team is your favorite?
“My parents are from the Bay Area so I grew up a Giants fan and when we moved to Texas I would also be rooting for the Rangers.”
Kohl Drake’s journey from an athlete in Sachse to a rising star in the Rangers’ system is nothing short of inspiring. His story reflects adaptation, growth, and a dedication to his craft. The 2025 season is the most important in his development, potentially leading him to take the mound in Arlington by season’s end and changing the narrative that the Rangers can’t develop pitching.