Updated Texas Rangers Top Prospects Rankings: #16-25
Since the initial prospect rankings came out at the beginning of the season, there has been a lot of movement within the Texas Rangers farm system. Today, we will take a look at the prospects that I have rated 16-25.
Despite what a lot of people believe, the Texas Rangers actually do have a very deep farm system. All throughout it, they have high potential players, the most of which are on the younger side, and probably won’t make it to the show until 2021 at the earliest.
There has been a lot of movement with the Rangers prospects, as some have come out of nowhere to make this list, while others that were ranked highly have seen significant drops.
Honorable Mentions
Before I kick this off, I wanted to list the guys that just barely missed this list…
RHP Mason Englert – Englert misses the list because of the combination of his injury and lower potential than some of the other injured players.
OF Scott Heineman – Heineman has put up terrific numbers since his return from the IL, but there are a couple of issues that prevented me from ranking him. First, he is a 26-year old prospect. Second, the Texas Rangers have a plethora of OF-ers including Joey Gallo, Delino DeShields, Hunter Pence, Nomar Mazara, Shin-Soo Choo, Willie Calhoun, and Danny Santana.
C Jose Trevino – Trevino’s age (26), and lack of offense prevented him from making the list. That being said, I would like to see him be given an opportunity for the job at catcher. Let’s be honest… his bat can’t be much worse than Jeff Mathis.
Prospects #21 – #25
#25 INF Osleivis Basabe, Arizona Rangers (Rookie)
Basabe, 18, has been terrific in the nine games he has played in the AZL league so far, hitting .361 in the short stint. He is considered to be one of the best hitters in the Rangers farm system, and his speed is graded at a 70 of 80 (considered plus-plus). He is a player that fans should keep a close eye on as he works his way through the farm system, as he could be someone who rises quickly.
#24 INF Diosbel Arias, Down East Wood Ducks (A+)
At 22, Diosbel Arias has put together a terrific season with the Wood Ducks this year, hitting .298 with a .377 OBP. Arias will likely see a promotion up to AA in early 2020, or even as early at the end of this season. He has a hit tool similar to Basabe but is more advanced.
#23 RHP Tyler Phillips, Frisco RoughRiders (AA)
Tyler Phillips made the jump from A+ to AA this season. He was terrific in Down East but has struggled in the ten starts since his promotion. Phillips, 21, has three good pitches, including a grade 60 changeup, and excellent control of the strike zone. Phillips has the potential to be a middle to bottom of the rotation pitcher and could be in the majors by next season if he can end this season with some momentum and take it into 2020.
#22 INF Eli White, Nashville Sounds (AAA)
White was one of the main players that the Texas Rangers received in return for Jurickson Profar. The 25-year old White is a solid overall player and has projectable tools. The main problems for him are his age and lack of power. On the other hand, White could without a doubt be in a position to take over at 3rd base when the Rangers cut ties with Asdrubal Cabrera.
#21 SS Chris Seise, Hickory Crawdads (A)
The Rangers former first-round pick, 20-year old Chris Seise, has shown promise early on the past two seasons but has suffered season-ending injuries both years. He is a plus-defender, with projectable hitting tools, and still has lots of potential. Still young, he still has the chance to grow quickly if he can stay healthy.
Prospects #16 – #20
#20 RHP Owen White, Injured List
White, 20, was the Rangers 2nd round pick last season and has three quality pitches (fastball and curveball grade 60, and grade 55 changeup). The Texas Rangers made White sit out after he was drafted last season to work on learning and conditioning. Before White could even make his professional debut with the Rangers, he suffered an injury, requiring Tommy John surgery, and is expected to be out until the 2020 season.
#19 LHP Cole Ragans, Injured List
Cole Ragans, 21, was the Rangers 1st round pick in 2016, and pitched really well in the minors, but suffered an injury during the spring of 2018 that resulted in him having Tommy John surgery. As he was nearing his return from Tommy John, and preparing for a rehab start, he suffered another UCL injury, causing him to have yet another Tommy John surgery, keeping him out until at least mid-2020.
#18 RHP Demarcus Evans, Frisco Roughriders (AA)
Evans, 22, has dominated out of the bullpen at both of his stops so far this season, posting a 1.11 ERA across 40.2 innings. With a plus-plus fastball and a plus curveball, Evans has been able to dominate hitters, striking out 72 of his opposing batters. The issue for him is his command, as he has issued 30 walks. There is a good chance that Evans may find himself in the majors this season.
#17 RHP Joe Barlow, Nashville Sounds (AAA)
Joe Barlow has climbed from A+ ball at the beginning of the season to now find himself in AAA with the Sounds. He very well may be the next relief pitcher that the Texas Rangers call up when they are in need of one. Across his three stops, he has posted a 0.87 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 41.1 innings.
#16 RHP Jonathan Hernandez, Frisco RoughRiders (AA)
Hernandez, 23, was one of the rapidly up-and-coming prospects for the Rangers last season but has run into a brick wall since he was promoted to Frisco, posting a 5.40 ERA, and his ERA has gotten even higher this season. Early in the season, Hernandez was considered a top 10 prospect by most of the prospect lists for the Rangers, but he has just been horrible this season, as his 5.78 ERA proves. Hopefully, he can right the ship and get back on track, because he has terrific grades. Concerns about his ability to start long-term may force him into the bullpen.