Alejandro Rosario could be the next homegrown pitcher for the Rangers
Chris Young mentioned last season that he wants to have some home-grown pitching prospects join the Texas Rangers. Alejandro Rosario rose to the occasion this past season, rising to the top of the Rangers' top 30 prospects list. Here's more on Rosario's future with the Rangers.
The Texas Rangers haven't been known for developing their pitching prospects. Kumar Rocker is the latest name to find a role with the Rangers. Some people thought Cole Ragans had the right stuff to be a starter, but he was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Aroldis Chapman.
Last season, Texas Rangers' general manager Chris Young mentioned wanting to see more pitching prospects work their way onto the Rangers' roster. Here's why Alejandro Rosario could be the next pitcher to make the squad.
When did the Texas Rangers draft Alejandro Rosario?
Alejandro Rosario was drafted in the fifth-round by the Texas Rangers in the 2023 MLB Draft. The fact that the Rangers got him that low is amazing. If you look at what he did at the University of Miami, you would think he would have been a higher draft pick. During the three years he pitched at Miami, he had 198 strikeouts. But, flaws, such as control had him fall to the fifth-round.
What were the flaws that caused him to drop in draft?
Rosario had some pitch delivery issues that caused teams to pass on him. His 6.53 ERA at Miami was another red flag. Clubs didn't even want to take a flyer on him. The Rangers saw potential, and now he's one of the top three prospects in the organization. Don't be shocked if he begins next season with the Frisco Roughriders. After working with the Rangers, Rosario loves tossing the fastball, which has become his primary pitch. He also has a slider and a splitter as secondary pitches.
What are the plans for Rosario next season?
Rosario will probably remain in the minor league system for a few seasons. With the way he's pitching now, there's no need to rush his development. As mentioned above, starting in Frisco next season would be ideal for him since he succeeded in Class A and A+. Seeing how he handles being a starting pitcher against tougher talent is his next step in making the Rangers' roster.
Rosario has a bright future with the Rangers' organization as a starting pitcher. There is no room for him at a significant league level, but once veteran starting pitchers on the roster become free agents, I could see him being considered for a September spot. Rosario has a high ceiling, as do other pitching prospects who could help the Rangers win another World Series title in the not-so-distant future.