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Texas Rangers Top Prospects Prior to the Deadline: 1-10

By Kenneth Nash

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 25: Willie Calhoun #5 of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 25, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 25: Willie Calhoun #5 of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 25, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Seuly Matias #25 of the Kansas City Royals and the World Team celebrates with teammate Leody Taveras #3 of the Texas Rangers and the World Team after after hitting a solo home run against the U.S. Team in the second inning during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Seuly Matias #25 of the Kansas City Royals and the World Team celebrates with teammate Leody Taveras #3 of the Texas Rangers and the World Team after after hitting a solo home run against the U.S. Team in the second inning during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

5. RHP Cole Winn

Cole Winn was the first round draft pick of the Texas Rangers this past June. Some have him as the  top pitcher in the system ahead of Hans Crouse. At only 18, it’s hard to project exactly how good he’ll be but he might have some of the most upside among pitching prospects. MLB Prospect Watch even notes that he could be the first high school pitcher from this year’s draft to reach the MLB. He hasn’t been assigned yet but his plus fastball, curve and change should have Rangers fans excited. Winn also cracked the MLB Prospect Watch Top 100 prospects at number 99. If he develops how people think he might, we’re looking at a possible number one in the rotation.

ETA: 2022

4. RHP Hans Crouse

Hans Crouse is probably the pitching prospect getting the most press right now for Texas. The quirky right hander has been tearing up Short Season A ball for Spokane going 4-1 in 7 starts and posting a 2.45 ERA. Opponents are hitting just .174 against him and he’s only walked 9 compared to 41 strikeouts. Oh, and he’s only 19 years old. His command isn’t the best but he has a plus-plus fastball and an above average slider that can make him devastating on the mound. Like Winn, Crouse has a top end of being a number one starter for Texas.

ETA: 2021

3. OF Julio Pablo Martinez

The Rangers signed Martinez, 22, is March as an international free agent. A left handed outfielder, Martinez shows elite speed and a good glove in the outfield. Currently in Spokane, JPM is hitting .240 with 6 homers in 36 games. His arm isn’t the best and he could stand to improve his strikeout rate but he has talent which is why he landed at number 62 on MLB’s Top 100 prospect list. At the major league level he has the tools to stick in center field.

ETA: 2020

2. OF Willie Calhoun

Calhoun, 23, obviously is already up with the Major League club. The most developed prospect in the system, Calhoun tore up Triple-A this season hitting .306 with an .804 OPS. Not necessarily renowned for his defense, Calhoun is a pure hitter with above average contact and power which is why he’s a center piece of the Rangers future. He also cracked the Top 50 prospects in baseball according to MLB Prospect Watch. If he can continue to develop defensively, Texas has a real star on their hands.

ETA: 2018

1. OF Leody Taveras

A switch hitting 19 year old, Taveras has the most upside in the Rangers system. Signed by Texas in 2015 as an international free agent. Currently with High-A Down East, Taveras is hitting .236 with a .309 on-base percentage in 100 games. With plus tools at both the plate and in the field, he has the potential to develop into a five-tool player in my opinion. Defensively he can play anywhere in the outfield but I’d be shocked if he gets moved from center.

ETA: 2020

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