Former Rangers top pitching prospect is reinventing himself in the bullpen

Entering the 2025 season, many fans were just expecting the DFA of Cole Winn by the Texas Rangers at some point. The franchise has a long history of failing prospects and them just not working out.

This had been the trend with guys like Hans Crouse, Cole Ragans, Dillon Tate among so many others just not working out here. There are others currently in the system that are trending that way as well.

Saying that anyone could see what Cole Winn had in store for him in 2025 would be a flat out lie. Winn transitioned to the bullpen in 2024 while in the minor leagues, got a chance at the MLB, failed in 2024, and has since gone scorched Earth in 2025.

Cole Winn has found his niche with the Texas Rangers

Across his 16 appearances in AAA, he has allowed 2 earned runs in 29.2 innings. He had options available that Chris Young has taken advantage of while yo-yoing between the MLB and AAA. He has been a key fixture in the big league bullpen allowing just 3 earned runs in 25.1 innings.

His numbers are sensational while also showing that his underlying numbers are not a fluke either. He is currently unqualified due to lack of innings for relievers but has a top tier xBA (expected batting average) of just .211 and a xERA (expected earned run average) of just 3.51. Both of these numbers are near the very top percentile of the entire MLB.

A big key to his development is the ability to let loose, miss more barrels, and increasing his extension. His extension on the mound ranks in the top 15% of the entire MLB which has lead to an uptick in velocity this season.

Winn notably worked with a sports psychologist last year to get to a point where he felt comfortable and could repeat a routine. Being mentally strong has certainly helped with his yo-yo status between AAA and the MLB because of his available options that the Rangers have taken advantage of.

It would be a shock to see that happen again with how he has been utilized recently. Bochy has certainly given him a vote of confidence. He has used him in key spots against the Phillies, Yankees, and Mariners twice since the deadline even though the front office got reinforcements for the bullpen.

He has seen repeated work in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings during his most recent call up. This has lead to success for him and the Rangers as he has not allowed a run since June 29th.

His season long ERA is now at 0.99. This isn't a good indicator for relievers typically, but in Winn's case it is. He allowed runs almost any chance he could in 2023 and 2024 and this is an indicator he has begun to figure it out.

It is rare to see guys transition to the bullpen after failing as a starter and succeed. It is usually a last ditch effort to salvage a career and was likely the viewpoint when this first started for Winn.

Turning this desperation to salvage a career into a thriving career is nothing short of incredible. Watching to see what is in store for Winn will be riveting.