Rangers land intriguing pitcher from SEC in latest Mock Draft

The Chris Young plan in every draft seems to be selecting the highest rated college player on his board. The industry is not expecting that this year, but does the industry really understand how Young operates?

It makes so much sense for the Rangers to think for the future and go with a middle infielder and plan for the future. There are so many infielders in this class to pick from as well but an early run of them might dilute the crop at 12.

Should the Rangers draft this SEC pitcher at pick No. 12?

Pitching injuries are mounting throughout the Rangers system and that might be a pressing need as well. They have top end talent prospects but do not have a sure fire rotation piece.

With Teodo having an under the radar horrific season so far and an injury to key prospect Alejandro Rosario, depth is much needed. There are highlights in Mitch Bratt and Kohl Drake but not much going outside of that.

This is where former Oklahoma Sooner Kyson Witherspoon could step in and Baseball America's latest mock draft has the Rangers selecting Witherspoon in the first round.

With so many prep and college hitters mocked to go very early, this could cause a can't miss player to fall to 12. Underslot selections may make it hard to take Witherspoon over others but his season and outlook are so good that it might not matter.

Witherspoon would bring in a high level pedigree, electrifying fastball and offspeed, and an athletic background being a highly ranked prep shortstop are incredibly intriguing. Add in that he lit up the SEC to a 2.65 ERA, 124 strikeout to 23 walk season, you could have a quick rising ace in the system.

Chris Young has drafted similar profiles and builds in the first round with Rocker and Leiter. He seems to be a bit of a mix of both in his prospect status. He doesn't have their career numbers but could equal their talent.

Having a Kade Anderson, Jamie Arnold, Liam Doyle or Kyson Witherspoon fall to Texas at pick 12 would probably have Chris Young sprinting the pick in. It would also help replenish pitching depth in stabilize the Rangers' farm system. Witherspoon has rocketed up boards this season and could make a lot of headway towards a top 15 selection.