Texas Rangers Prospects: Offseason Rankings #26-30

Now that the 2019 season is over, it’s time to take a look at who the top 30 prospects are for the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers have a good-looking crop of prospects that are going to help shape the future, whether it be their performance on the field for the Rangers, or via trades. Today we will take a look at the prospects that I have ranked from 26-30 for the Texas Rangers.

#30 Ricky Vanasco RHP

Checking in at number 30 on this list is the righty, Vanasco. He is currently pitching in Hickory as a starter. He has a highly graded fastball and a plus curve, but is still working on developing a third pitch to pair with them if he is going to remain a starter. If he fails to develop the third pitch, there is a good chance that he joins the bullpen, and should become a solid back-end of the bullpen piece.

Outlook: Look for Vanasco to make it to the big leagues in the 2022 or 2023 seasons

#29 David Garcia C

Garcia spent 2019 playing for the Rangers short season A ball team in Spokane, where he hit .277 in 48 games. He profiles as a defense-first catcher and will have to work on developing his tools in the batters’ box. At only 19-years old, Garcia is far from a finished product and will have plenty of time to continue developing.

Outlook: Garcia could make it to Arlington by the 2023 season. One for the long-term future.

#28 Yerry Rodriguez RHP

Rodriguez had a fantastic season going for the Crawdads at High-A Hickory in 2019 before an injury to his elbow ended his year early. Still young, the 22 year-old will look to capitalize on that success he had as he moves into next season. He has an above average fastball but still needs to work on his other pitches.  He seems like someone that should be able to stick as a starter, but could have a nice transition to a late inning reliever if the Texas Rangers decide to do so.

Outlook: Rodriguez seems like he could fly through the system and hit Texas by late 2021.

#27 Heriberto Hernandez C/1B/OF

Hernandez is a player that has emerged quickly in the Rangers organization due in large part to his potential at the plate. Defensively he needs to find a long-term spot but he’s worked behind the plate, at first and some in the outfield. In 50 games with Texas’ rookie-ball affiliate he hit .344 with 11 home runs. He’s one to keep an eye on and see how he settles into the system over the next season or so.

Outlook: It probably would be 2023 at the earliest before we saw Hernandez with the Rangers.

#26 Osleivis Basabe SS

Playing primarily in rookie ball last season, Basabe hit .325 in 35 games. His speed stands out as an elite tool and has some solid defensive instincts and abilities. In a personal comparison, it seems to me like he could be the shortstop version of Leody Taveras, however as of now he might be a better pure hitter than Taveras.

Outlook: If his offense keeps up with his defense, he could get to Arlington as soon as 2022.