This Rangers prospect could rise into MLB Pipeline's Top 100 by next season

When we think of the Texas Rangers and development of pitchers coming through their minor league system, we are left unimpressed.

If we take a trip down memory lane we notice the same trend of unsuccessful arms: A.J. Alexy, Kolby Allard, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Taylor Hearn, Spencer Howard and Tanner Scheppers. All of these were once young promising pitchers that Texas hoped would be keys to a future World Series run.

The Rangers have a chance to turn the tide with their four big league arms this season. But there is also a 23-year-old righty making his way through the ranks of the minor leagues that could help change that narrative, Emiliano Teodo.

Teodo was signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republican for $10,000 in January 2020. He began his professional career as a bullpen arm, appearing in 19 games in 2021 with the Arizona Complex League, then transitioned to a starter the next season.

Last season was without a doubt his best, throwing 86.1 innings, a 1.98 ERA and 11.47 strikeouts per nine innings at Double-A Frisco. It was capped with a trip to the 2024 Futures Game in Arlington where he started for the American League and became the first pitcher to toss two perfect innings in Futures Game history.

Featuring a three-pitch mix of fastball, slider and changeup, Teodo's four-seam sits at 95-98 mph and can touch 103 mph. The other two pitches range from mid-80s to low-90s but he can struggle to land the pitches for strikes at times.

"Compared to the late Yordano Ventura because of his smaller frame and power stuff, Teodo is athletic but lacks physicality and has significant effort in his delivery." according to MLB Pipeline. "The Rangers considered expediting him to the big leagues as a reliever in 2024 before continuing to develop him as a starter, and he has looked like a potential mid-rotation option a year or two from now."

Teodo will likely begin the season back in Frisco's starting rotation and depending on his success he could close out the season in Round Rock. If all goes well he could be a candidate to make the team out of spring training in 2026 but the team will take their time in his development.

Regardless of his major league arrival date, I believe he has the skills to turn himself into a strong asset with the Texas Rangers and will be the next member of the Rangers farm system to appear in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list.