Looking at the Texas Rangers Top 15 Prospect Additions

LHP, Brock Burke

Brock Burke was likely the cornerstone of this deal for the Texas Rangers as a hard-throwing left. The 22-year old can ratchet his fastball up into the upper-90’s when needed which is a coveted asset in a young starter. In 2017, he was listed as the 21st prospect in the Rays system but fell out of the Top 30 altogether in 2018.

Burke had an outstanding 2018 season that saw him spend time with both the High-A and Double-A affiliates for the Rays. In 16 appearances, 13 starts for the High-A club, Burke went 3-5 with a 3.84 ERA. He struggled a bit to keep runners off base evidenced by his 1.40 WHIP. However, in Double-A, he was dominant in his 9 starts. Burke threw 55.1 innings on his way to a 6-1 record and held opponents to just a .193 batting average. He showcased his overpowering swing and miss stuff to the tune of 71 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP.

The ceiling on Burke seems to be a middle of the rotation starter who can be dominant when he’s got all his stuff working. He showcases that high-speed fastball and pairs it with an above average slider that can give him a lethal two pitch combo. If he can work on his offspeed and improve his control, the Rangers seem to have added a real-deal pitcher to their upper ranks.

MLB Prospect Watch Ranking: #6