Texas Rangers: Through 10 Rounds, 7 Pitchers and 3 Shortstops Taken

The Texas Rangers have now made 10 selections in the 2018 MLB Draft when Day 2 wrapped up Tuesday evening. Here’s an update on the newest Rangers.

In rounds 3-10 of the MLB Draft the Rangers tipped their hand that they were committed to rebuilding their farm system focusing first on the pitching. In the Rangers first 10, 7 of them are right handed pitchers and the other 3 all were shortstops. Not much diversity to speak of but it shows that Texas is seeking to add pitching talent and flexibility defensively.

Round 3, Pick 91: Jonathan Ornelas, SS, Raymond S Kellis HS (AZ)

A University of Tennessee commit, Ornelas was ranked as the number 87 prospect in the draft according to MLB.com. A righty at the plate, Ornelas is thought to have power and contact in his hitting abilities. It’s unknown whether he’ll stay at shortstop which is usually the case with players drafted as shortstops at of high school.

Round 4, Pick 119: Mason Englert, RHP, Forney HS (TX)

A local product, Englert is a big righty at 6’4″. He could probably stand to add a bit of muscle to help with durability and add some velocity as well. A Texas A&M commit, there is some concern that he may go the college route as it’s thought he could increase his value with a bit more development.

Round 5, Pick 149: Jayce Easley, SS, Sandra Day O’Connor HS (AZ)

Jayce Easley was the 5th prep school pick the Rangers made in the first 5 rounds. A shortstop from Arizona, Easley has the benefit of being a switch hitter. He’s a little undersized at just 5’8″ and 145 lbs., but still has the defensive ability to succeed. There may be a move to second base in his future though.

Round 6, Pick 179: Sean Chandler, RHP, Iowa Western CC (IA)

Sean Chandler was the first player Texas took from college and he’s a large right hander with a sinking fastball. Last season, he led Iowa Western pitching 74 innings and posting an 11-0 record with a 1.34 ERA and 123 strikeouts. A quality JuCo arm that shows promise.

Round 7, Pick 209: Tim Brennan, RHP, St. Joseph’s University

Tim Brennan is another right handed college pitcher that Texas took on Day 2. Brennan made 12 starts for St. Joseph’s this season and posted a 9-3 record with a 2.94 ERA. He makes it hard on opposing hitters with their batting average against him just .231 this year.

Round 8 Pick 239: Jax Biggers, SS, Arkansas

I think this is perhaps the most intriguing pick of Day 2 for the Rangers. Biggers was a standout performer at the plate for Arkansas last year putting up an impressive .338 batting average and striking out just 30 times in 213 at-bats. He’s cooled off this season hitting just .281 but the potential is still there. Probably won’t play shortstop as a pro but with his hitting ability, could be a coveted utility infielder.

Round 9, Pick 269: Chandler Sanburn, RHP, Wichita State University

Chandler Sanburn is coming off his best season with the Wichita State Shockers. This year he pitched 33.2 innings out of the bullpen and held opponents to a .210 batting average and maintaining an ERA of just 2.94. He’s a player to keep an eye on as he’s improved year to year in college and is trending in the right direction.

Next: Grading the Texas Rangers Day One Draft Picks

Round 10, Pick 299: Leury Tejada, RHP, Walton HS (NY)

Another smaller player, Tejada was the Rangers final pick on Day 2 of the draft. Tejada was a 2018 Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention. His fastball sits right around 90 MPH but interestingly, he is listed as shortstop by Perfect Game. We’ll see what plans Texas has for Tejada if they can get him signed.

Home/Texas Rangers Draft