Texas Rangers Top 25 Prospects: 11-15

The Texas Rangers’ system is full of young talent that promises a bright future.

Texas is known for their ability to build a strong farm system and this is a look at some of the top young players looking to play for the Rangers.

11. Leodys Taveras/OF/Age: 17/Projected Debut: 2020

The Rangers signed Taveras over the summer from the Dominican Republic for $2.1 million. Taveras, only 17 years old, is still a fairly raw talent. He’s a switch hitter with a smooth swing from both sides of the plate. He still lacks some power but scouts believe that will develop after some time in the big league system. Taveras also has plus speed which will be beneficial on the base paths and in center field. He still requires some development with tracking the ball but for his age, he seems to be ahead of the curve. The next couple of years will be very key in his development as he progresses to big league ball. Taveras is still 3-4 years away from the Rangers but he shows promise moving into the future.

12. Jairo Beras/OF/Age: 21/Projected Debut: 2019

Jairo Beras came to the Rangers in 2012 from the Dominican Republic. His signing presented some controversy because of issues regarding his birthdate which he provided two of. He was suspended until July of 2013 by the Texas Rangers because of the problems. Last season, Beras hit .291 in Single-A Hickory, hitting 9 homeruns and driving in 43 runs across 88 games. Beras upside is his raw power and above-average arm. He still needs to establish a more mature approach at the plate but if he can grow as a player, he has a lot of potential especially for the future. In the next couple of years, Beras could make strides to become a top prospect in the Texas system.

13. Yohander Mendez/LHP/Age: 21/Projected Debut: 2018

Mendez came to Texas from Venezuela in 2011. He was a highly touted pitching signing for the Texas Rangers when he was signed with a high 80’s fastball and a good changeup. He has had some injury issues in the past involving his elbow and staying healthy will be a big key to his success with Texas. Mendez has spent a lot of the time in the bullpen but also has worked some as a starter. In 2015, Mendez pitched in 21 games with a 3-3 record and a 2.44 ERA for Class-A Hickory. Hitters hit .230 against him last season which points to his skill at avoiding solid contact.

14. Andrew Faulkner/LHP/Age: 23/Debut: 2015

Andrew Faulkner was signed by the Texas Rangers back in 2011. Since turning pro, he picked up his power on the mound. His fastball consistently sits in the low-90s and his changeup has potential. In 2015, Faulkner threw 92.1 in Frisco where he posted a 4.19 ERA. He then posted a 0.00 ERA in Round Rock in 8 innings. Faulkner finished off the season up with the Rangers throwing 9.2 innings and maintaining a nice 2.79 ERA. The Rangers are hopeful Faulkner can turn into a middle of the rotation starter once he develops his off speed a bit more. The future looks promising for Faulkner as he continues to develop with Texas.

15. Ryan Cordell/INF/Age: 23/Projected Debut: 2017

Cordell is a player the jury still seems to be out on. He was drafted by Texas in the 11th round of the 2013 draft. Cordell split time between High Desert and Frisco in 2015 hitting .311 and .217 respectively. Cordell is a beneficial player because of his flexibility across the diamond. He has the speed to play the outfield and the fielding ability to play in the left side of the infield. He shows average power and a decent eye but could still use some development at the plate. If Cordell can make some quick adjustments he can turn into one of Texas’s top young players, but he also is at a point where he could take a turn for the worse and become just another role player for the Rangers.

Check in tomorrow for prospect rankings 6-10.

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