Ranking the Texas Rangers Top Prospects

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

MLB named the 2014 top 10 prospects at each position.  Only five Texas Rangers made the list, none of which were for pitching or outfield. Here is my ranking of those that made it on MLB’s list.

Texas Rangers catcher Jorge Alfaro Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1) Behind the plate, MLB’s third best catcher is Jorge Alfaro. The Texas Rangers believe in their future catcher, as he is their number one prospect.  Jorge Alfaro is on the smaller side for a modern-day catcher, 6’2″ weighing in at only 185 lbs, but the 20-year old has plus bat speed and a plus arm that, once developed should keep him behind the plate for a long time. 

“Alfaro ranked second in the AFL in hitting (.386) and seventh in doubles (6).  He also threw out 7-of-14 basestealers.” (Star-Telegram – Jeff Wilson)

With those numbers, I am just as excited to see him in the big league.

Rougned Odor Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

2) Rougned Odor came in at number two as MLB’s best second baseman, which is up two spots from last year.  Listed at 5’11”, 170 pounds and turning 20-years old in February, Odor reached Double-A Frisco in August 2013.  According to scouting reports, he consistently makes hard contact and is “sound defender at second base with good range and an accurate arm.”  Odor is purely a second baseman and could be brought up to give Jurickson Profar some relief. I’m anxious to see Rougned Odor play and I could easily become a big league contender.

Texas Rangers shortstop Luis Sardinas Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

3) Texas Rangers’ number two prospect, shortstop Luis Sardinas, is MLB’s ninth ranked top prospect.  The 20-year old is developing at a slower pace than Profar, who signed with the Texas Rangers at the same time.  Nonetheless, always a threat to steal with his above average speed Sardinas reached Double-A Frisco in 2013.  His scouting reports declare him an “excellent defender with a strong arm” and even with the surplus of infielders, I think there is a good chance we see him in 2014.

Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

5) Third baseman Joey Gallo is ranked ninth by MLB and is fifth on the Texas Rangers list.  When Gallo was signed out of high school, he was a two-way player, but no longer wanted to pitch.  Rangers knew he could hit and he proved them right in 2012 when he broke Arizona Rookie League’s single-season HR record.  In his first full season, Gallo led the 2013 minor leagues with 40 HR.  He has a plus arm and raw power, but he strikes out often.  If he can learn how to swing and hit more consistently, he’ll be a solid choice at third base for the Rangers.

This is my list, what’s yours?