3 most intriguing Rangers picks from Day 2 of the 2026 MLB Draft

The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up with rounds 5 through 20 on Sunday. Most of the draft hype typically occurs on Day 1 (Saturday), and with MLB games on during the draft, it's easy to forget about the later rounds. With that said, the Texas Rangers still added 15 additional youngsters to their pipeline, which desperately needs as much young talent as possible.

But don't worry, we've got you covered on the most intriguing picks from Day 2 of the draft.

3 most intriguing Rangers picks from Day 2 of the 2026 MLB Draft

Penn State TWP Michael Anderson Jr.: Round 5, pick 149

Michael Anderson had a monstrous 2026 season at the plate, slashing .358/.470/.742 with 20 home runs, 11 doubles, one triple and 53 RBI. He made just two pitching appearances, hurling 1 2/3 no-hit innings with one walk and one strikeout. Yet, the Rangers drafted him as a two-way player.

On the pitching side, Anderson can reach 99 mph on his fastball. He presumably needs UCL surgery, per MLB.com's Kennedi Landry, so it'll take a while for him to develop as a pitcher.

Georgia shortstop Kolby Branch: Round 8, pick 237

A power-hitting shortstop, Kolby Branch hit 50 homers over three seasons with Georgia after transferring from Baylor. This past season, Branch slashed .291/.394/.628 with 20 home runs, 19 doubles, 40 walks, and 60 RBI over 67 games.

Branch, 23, appears to be a real power threat at a position that typically lacks power bats. The only concern with Branch is his high strikeout rate. The shortstop struck out at a 25.7% rate this past season and at a 29.7% rate in 2025. And, at 23, he's older than most of this year's draft picks. Regardless, his power is something Rangers fans should be excited about.

Wichita State catcher Max Kaufer: Round 18, pick 537

Max Kaufer spent his first two collegiate seasons with Texas A&M, then his junior year with South Carolina before transferring to Wichita State for his last season. He struggled mightily during his freshman and junior years, with a strong senior year in limited action for the Aggies.

Kaufer is coming off the best season of his career by far, even though he appeared in just 18 games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In those 18 games, the catcher slashed a remarkable .440/.567/1.180 with 11 home runs, four doubles, 11 walks and 27 RBI across 67 plate appearances.

Complete list of Rangers' 2026 Draft picks

Round 1, No. 16 overall: Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas HS (Florida)

Round 2, No. 54 overall: Connor Comeau, 3B, Anderson HS (Texas)

Round 3, No. 89 overall: Brody Bumila P, Bishop Feehan HS (Mass.)

Round 4, No. 117 overall: Hudson Calhoun, P, Mississippi

Round 5, No. 149 overall: Michael Anderson, Jr. TWP, Penn State

Round 6, No. 178 overall: Aidan Brainard, P, Nevada

Round 7, No. 207 overall: Caden Aoki, P, Georgia

Round 8, No. 237 overall: Kolby Branch, SS, Georgia

Round 9, No. 267 overall: Kaden Carpenter, OF, Utah Valley

Round 10, No. 297 overall: Evan Morrison, SS, Grand Valley State

Round 11, No. 327 overall: Jordan Hawkins, OF, Carl Albert HS (Oklahoma)

Round 12, No. 357 overall: Jackson Nash, P, Longwood

Round 13, No. 387 overall: Will Whelan, P, Minnesota

Round 14, No. 417 overall: Alfredo Capacete, P, California Baptist

Round 15, No. 447 overall: Landon Brewer, P, Minden HS (Louisiana)

Round 16, No. 477 overall: Brandon Crabtree, 3B, Catawba

Round 17, No. 507 overall: Collin Cobb, P, Williston State College

Round 18, No. 537 overall: Max Kaufer, C, Wichita State

Round 19, No. 567 overall: Selden Kolkebeck, P, Northern Valley Regional HS (New Jersey)

Round 20, No. 597 overall: Cody Airington, P, Austin Peay State

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