5 key takeaways from MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Texas Rangers' prospect list

Only a few weeks away from a brand new Major League Baseball season, which means MLB Pipeline has officially released a new set of Top 30 prospects for every team, including those in the Texas Rangers organization.

Earlier this year, MLB Pipeline revealed the Top 100 overall prospects throughout baseball. Texas had three players among the Top 100, including Sebastian Walcott, Kumar Rocker and Alejandro Rosario.

In terms of the organization's list, not much changed this year in terms of names on the list, but there were a few shakeups and things to note. Without further ado here is (mostly) everything you need to know about the Texas Rangers Top 30 Prospects.

Top 2 prospects remain the same as last year

Zero shock when it comes to the top two being Sebastian Walcott and Kumar Rocker. Both ended the 2024 season ranked 1-2 and have shown no reason to get knocked out of those spots.

Walcott, 18, is an absolute stud with the potential to be the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball by the end of the 2025 season. In 121 games last season, Walcott hit .265 with a .796 OPS, 11 home runs and 56 RBIs. Texas will likely start Walcott in Double-A Frisco and through success could see a promotion to Triple-A Round Rock.

Rocker on the other hand is in an interesting situation because he can easily slot in on the big league roster in either a starter or bullpen role to kick off the year. But it also makes a ton of sense to keep in Round Rock and get him consistent starts. He's struggled to start the spring but he has the potential to be a major contributor in the big leagues.

Elbow injury causes Alejandro Rosario to drop out of the top 5

One of the best storylines within the organization was Rosario's resurgence in 2024. After a subpar college career at Miami, the Rangers drafted him fifth overall two years ago and immediately changed his pitch mix and rehauled his mechanics.

Among the changes were the additions of a mid-to-high 90s four seamer and lethal sinker-splitter combo. The changes turned him into a star in the making, throwing 88 1/3 innings and recorded a 2.23 ERA and an impressive 36.9 strikeout percentage in Down East and Hickory.

Ranked as the organization's third overall prospect, his status dipped to No. 7 due to the announcement on Feb. 23 that Rosario will likely miss the entire 2025 season due to an elbow injury and likely Tommy John Surgery.

Who were among the biggest rises and falls?

We have two big risers on the list, both rising eight spots from their end-of-year 2024 spots.

First was outfielder Alejandro Osuna, brother of former reliever Roberto Osuna, who rose eight spots from 16th to 8th. This was likely due to his tremendous 2024 season where he was named the Rangers minor league player of the year. Osuna's offense compares similar to that of Alex Verdugo and Wilyer Abreu with "keen defensive instincts". He's also off to a scorching spring training, with a .444 batting average and three RBIs.

Next on the list is southpaw Kohl Drake, who saw a rise from No. 21 to No. 13. Drake sort of bursted on to the scene as an 11th round pick in 2022 after being named the JUCO Pitcher of the Year. He struggled to start his professional career but settled into his own after a 2023 offseason of dropping 25 pounds and increasing his fastball velocity from 88-90 mph to 92-94 mph with a potential to hit 96.

Which players are first-timers? Which dropped off the list?

The Rangers added eight new prospects to their list, with the highest being 19-year-old outfielder Yeremi Cabrera at No. 16. Cabrera was signed for only $10,000 and has "sneaky plus raw power thanks to his deceptive strength." The other seven newcomers were Elorky Rodrgiuez (20), Marc Church (23), Paul Bonzagni (24), Davis Hagaman (27), Caden Scarborough (28), Kolton Curtis (29) and David Davaillo (30).

On the other hand four players dropped off the list, including a former top five prospect in right-hander Brock Porter. Porter's professional career has been riddled with setbacks due to a high walk rate and was sent to the rookie instructional league in 2024 and only appeared in eight games. The other three dropouts were Dane Acker, Jesus Lopez and Dustin Harris.

Dark horses to keep an eye on for 2025

Let's talk about who to keep an eye out for this season. Of course, the top 5 among the two biggest risers in Osuna and Drake but who else that I may not have talked about?

For one, Emiliano Teodo has the potential to be the Emmanuel Clase that fans were upset to get rid of five years ago. Outside of that keep an eye out for outfielder Braylin Morel, who has a career .327 average in two rookie ball seasons. The others would be pitchers Jose Corniell and Mitch Bratt, and outfielder Abimelec Ortiz.

Rangers' fans might also be familiar with Chruch, who made his MLB debut last year, pitching one scoreless inning against the Los Angeles Angels. If he's healthy, he'll be a key contributor to the team's bullpen in 2025.