5 best college draft prospects the Rangers can find in their own backyard

The 2026 MLB Draft is almost here. The Rangers have the 16th, 54th, 89th, and 149th overall picks in the draft, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 11-12. Round 1 of the Draft will begin at 12:00 p.m. CDT on NBC and Peacock, and the remainder will air on MLB Network and be streamed on MLB.com and Peacock.

The Rangers will have the opportunity to draft several collegiate players from their own state in July, including prospects from the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

5 best college draft prospects the Rangers can find in their own backyard

OF Sawyer Strosnider - Texas Christian University

MLB Pipeline has Strosnider, a left-handed hitter and fielder, ranked as the draft's 16th-best prospect. Since Texas has the 16th pick, the outfielder could end up as the club's first-round selection. In 106 games across two seasons with TCU, Strosnider slashed .315/.417/.623 with 24 home runs, 24 doubles, 14 triples, 22 stolen bases, 98 RBI and 90 strikeouts. Per MLB Pipeline, some scouts believe Strosnider could play center field in the majors. He's known for his raw power and plus speed. Some question his bat because he tends to chase outside of the zone, resulting in frequent grounders. Regardless, the outfielder is an exciting prospect with a lot of potential.

OF Caden Sorrell - Texas A&M University

Sorrell, a left-handed bat and fielder, is the 29th-best prospect in the draft, so he may not be destined to be drafted by the Rangers, who have the 16th and 54th picks. But if Texas views him as a better prospect than MLB Pipeline or the rest of the league views him as a worse one, he could end up with Texas. In 144 games across three seasons with Texas A&M, Sorell hit .316/.410/.684 with 46 home runs, 33 doubles and 151 RBI. He's viewed as an above-average defender who can play all three outfield positions.

OF Aiden Robbins - University of Texas

Like Sorrell, Robbins may not be destined to stay in his home state (unless he goes to the Astros) due to his prospect ranking (No. 30). A decent defender, Robbins transferred to Texas for his junior year after two seasons with Seton Hall. In his three collegiate seasons, Robbins, a right-handed batter and fielder, slashed .355/.451/.632 with 36 home runs, 35 doubles, 12 triples and 133 RBI over 156 games.

1B Gavin Grahovac - Texas A&M University

Grahovac, MLB Pipeline's No. 32 overall prospect, is a right-handed hitter and fielder. He played third base his first two seasons with the Aggies before moving to first base. He hit .298/.390/.556 with 23 homers, 16 doubles, 66 RBI, and 95 strikeouts over 97 games during his freshman year. He appeared in just six games his sophomore season due to a left shoulder injury, then bounced back with an outstanding junior season, slashing .339/.429/.722 with 22 home runs, 16 doubles, three triples, 74 RBI and, notably, just 45 strikeouts over 57 games.

OF Chase Brunson - Texas Christian University

If the Rangers draft Brunson, it'd likely be in the second round. Brunson, a right-handed bat and fielder, is MLB Pipeline's No. 44 overall prospect. After a solid freshman season and a spectacular sophomore year, Brunson had the best season of his collegiate career in 2026, slashing .304/.462/.556 with 10 home runs, 11 doubles and 51 RBI over 51 games. He has solid speed and is a decent defender.

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