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3 Texas Rangers prospects showing out in spring training

By Seth Carlson |
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 17: Josh Smith #90 of the Texas Rangers poses during Photo Day at Surprise Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 17: Josh Smith #90 of the Texas Rangers poses during Photo Day at Surprise Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
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SURPRISE, ARIZONA – MARCH 17: Josh Smith #90 of the Texas Rangers poses during Photo Day at Surprise Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, ARIZONA – MARCH 17: Josh Smith #90 of the Texas Rangers poses during Photo Day at Surprise Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) /

It’s just spring training, and yet these games hold so much significance when it comes to evaluating some of the top young players in the Texas Rangers‘ organization.

For a select few early on in Cactus League play, they’ve capitalized on playing time opportunities. And while their stints with the big leaguers may be limited to spring training (at the moment), these three prospects have more than met the eyes in Arizona so far.

3 Texas Rangers prospects dominating spring training so far

1. Josh Smith

He was one of the headliners of the Joey Gallo trade package from the Yankees last summer, and early on in the spring, he’s showing everyone why.

Smith can do it all: he’s got a little speed, pop and of course, great bat-to-ball skills. The latter is what defines him, but all of the other elements combined really make him stand out. In addition, Smith is versatile, being able to play all over the infield as well as some outfield.

No matter how hot Smith gets this spring, it won’t be enough for him to make the big leagues from the jump. But he’s certainly putting himself on a path to an MLB debut sooner rather than later!

Mar 1, 2021; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers Bubba Thompson #84 poses during media day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2021; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers Bubba Thompson #84 poses during media day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports /

3 Texas Rangers prospects dominating spring training so far

2. Bubba Thompson

The Texas Rangers probably came closer than they would’ve liked to admit to losing Bubba Thompson this winter after out-righting him off the 40-man roster and subjecting him to the Rule 5 draft.

In some cases, the lockout was a blessing for Thompson, who now gets to remain in the Rangers organization and is showing out early in spring training. The 23-year-old has two home runs and a 2.056 OPS in eight spring at-bats so far. With 2022’s edition of Cactus League play being shorter than normal, there will be less time for Thompson to prove himself again.

But with a strong showing, it’s not out of the question for the former two-sport athlete (he used to play football) to finally reach his potential of latching on with the Texas Rangers as a reserve outfielder. His speed and defense can certainly play at the big league level, now his bat just needs to catch up.

It looks like it has early on in spring training.

SURPRISE, ARIZONA – MARCH 17: Davis Wendzel #86 of the Texas Rangers poses during Photo Day at Surprise Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, ARIZONA – MARCH 17: Davis Wendzel #86 of the Texas Rangers poses during Photo Day at Surprise Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) /

3 Texas Rangers prospects dominating spring training so far

3. Davis Wendzel

How do you make the Texas Rangers’ decision about who to play at third base this season more difficult? By playing well in spring training! And Davis Wendzel has done just that early on.

Wendzel, hitting .462 with a 1.346 OPS in a handful of spring at-bats so far, is placing himself firmly in the mix at third base, where the team is having somewhat of an open competition in the aftermath of top prospect Josh Jung’s injury.

The former Baylor Bear has always had a knack for hitting the baseball and his versatility has served him well throughout his Rangers minor league journey. But with the strong performance he’s having so far in Arizona, Wendzel could be fast-tracking his path to the big leagues.

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It’s still expected that some combination of Andy Ibanez, Brad Miller and Charlie Culberson could man the hot corner for now, but Wendzel has been making a lot of noise to this point. Perhaps enough where he merits serious consideration for the big leagues right out of camp.

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