4 Rangers prospects who helped the RoughRiders clinch their 2024 playoff spot

While the Texas Rangers are struggling to win games against divisional opponents, there was good news within the organization this weekend. With the Midland RockHounds losing on Sunday, the Frisco RoughRiders clinched their spot in the Texas League playoffs.

The RoughRiders have a commanding 43-20 record in the Texas League South Division and are one of the teams to beat in the second half of the season. This is the first time they made the playoffs since 2022, when they won the Texas League Championship.

The RoughRiders wouldn't have clinched the South Division without the help from some of the Rangers' top prospects. Five of their top-30 prospects made the RoughRiders roster out of Spring Training.

So who have been the difference-makers for the RoughRiders in the first half of the season? Let's look at how their performances helped them clinch their playoff spot.

3 Rangers prospects who helped RoughRiders clinch 2024 playoff spot

Abimelec Ortiz

Ortiz was promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders after having a remarkable season last year with the Hickory Crawdads. While his .181 batting average isn't impressive, his 24 RBI have helped Frisco win some close games. Ortiz will be a critical contributor in the second half of the season as the RoughRiders prepare for the Texas League Playoffs.

One day, Ortiz will hit home runs in Arlington like on Sunday.

Emiliano Teodo

Teodo is one of the top starting pitchers that the RoughRiders have this season. His stat line on Father's Day was the best he's had all season. He's gaining traction to be promoted to Triple-A later this season if he continues to put up career-high stat lines.

He has a 1.88 ERA up to this point in the season. With the way he's pitching, he could break his career-high of 115 strikeouts by the end of the season. You can expect him to have a long career with the Rangers once he makes the roster in Arlington.

Aaron Zavala

Aaron Zavala is another top prospect who has helped the RoughRiders clinch their playoff spot before the All-Star Break. Zavala's 27 RBI have helped power the offense. Since being selected in the second round in the 2021 MLB Draft, Zavala has climbed up the minor-league ladder and become one of the Rangers' top prospects. If he continues contributing at this rate, he could be up for discussion for Triple-A next season.

Though he still has work to do, he's been a key member of Frisco in 2024.

Dane Acker

Acker has been one of the top pitchers for the RoughRiders this season. He's a pitcher that Rangers fans should start paying attention to. He was a part of the Jonah Heim trade, and after getting elbow surgery, he's starting to get his pitches down.

His 2.81 ERA and 57 strikeouts have opponents freezing on strike three. He's another player that could get promoted to Triple-A next season based on how the RoughRiders finish, but for now, let's enjoy the ride at Frisco.