Sebastian Walcott's latest rampage could set up Rangers for tough Josh Jung decision

It's not a matter of "if"; it is only a matter of "when" the team will decide to elevate prized prospect Sebastian Walcott to the major league team. Since returning from a UCL injury he suffered before this season, he has been on a tear and looks close to being ready for the show. It could be for a cup of coffee this year, but by 2027, he will very much be in the picture to make the club coming out of spring training.

Unless Corey Seager is traded in the offseason, he will not be bumped from shortstop. That means Walcott will most likely move over to the hot corner. So, the question then becomes: what does that mean for current third baseman Josh Jung moving forward? With Walcott pushing the team to promotion sooner rather than later, he could be the odd man out.

Sebastian Walcott's recent rampage at Frisco has us wondering if Josh Jung has a future with the Rangers past this season

Walcott, a 20-year-old farmhand who ranks inside MLB Pipeline's top 10 prospects, has hit three homers in three consecutive games for Double-A Frisco - and we're talking bout 110+ mph exit velocity no-brainers. He is really getting through the zone nicely right now, and the power looks almost effortless for the lithe, 6-foot-4-inch Bahamian-born athlete. He is slashing .310/.395/.575 with 12 doubles, 6 jacks, and 15 RBIs in 113 at-bats.

There are rumors that he could be in the mix for a call-up this September as the roster expands. Still, his time in the minor leagues won't last much longer, barring any setbacks. Josh Jung is certainly looking over his shoulder and can probably see the writing on the wall. His being out for the last month isn't helping him make his case on the field.

Jung was having a solid season, hitting around .300 and being a consistent presence while those around him slumped or got injured. Unfortunately, he took a step backwards defensively this season, which also hasn't helped. The Rangers have two more years of control over Jung's contract and might move him in a trade while he has some value on the market.

Third base has been a tough market of late, and depending on what happens with options for a few guys, the best player at the hot corner to hit the free-agent market might be Alec Bohm and his 0.2 fWAR. Even if some options are declined, the collection of players is uninspiring.

That all could create a perfect storm scenario where Jung has immense value on the market. Texas has a lot of other needs, so the club could flip him for a player who better fits the roster, or for prospects to revitalize a depleted farm system. Either way, the Rangers could be presented with a massive opportunity, thanks to Walcott removing most doubt about his MLB readiness.

Jung has struggled to find the 2023 form that made him an All-Star and 4th in the ROY voting. It's unfortunate that the calf injury happened when it did, as he was starting to regain some confidence at the plate. Still, Walcott is the future on the left side of the infield, and as long as Seager remains in Arlington, it is Jung who will have to have his suitcases ready when the organization decides the phenom is ready to make his debut in the majors.

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