This top pitching prospect is dark horse candidate to make Rangers Opening Day roster

The Rangers should sign one or two veteran starting pitchers this offseason to ensure depth for next season. As it stands, the rotation includes Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Leiter. Cody Bradford and Kumar Rocker both should get starts as well, but Bradford hasn't pitched since 2024, and Rocker has yet to live up to his potential.

Let's say the Rangers don't sign or trade for a starting pitcher this offseason, which is very likely. In that case, if Bradford has yet to return to full health, and/or Rocker struggles during Spring Training, or, god forbid, deGrom, Eovaldi or Leiter suffer an injury, right-handed pitching prospect Winston Santos could easily find himself on the Rangers' Opening Day roster.

Pitching prospect Winston Santos could make Rangers Opening Day roster

MLB Pipeline predicts Santos, the Rangers' No. 4-ranked prospect, will make his MLB debut in 2026, so the notion that he could crack the Opening Day roster isn't a long shot by any means. One factor that could prevent him from making the Opening Day roster is the fact that he only pitched in five minor league games last season due to a stress reaction in his back. However, he finished the season healthy, making three starts in September.

The Rangers signed Santos, 23, for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2019. He made his pro debut in 2021. In 86 career appearances (78 starts) with the Rangers' organization, the six-foot righty has a 4.43 ERA with 396 strikeouts and 106 walks over 367 2/3 innings.

Winston relies on three pitches: a mid-90s fastball, mid-80s slider and mid-80s changeup. His fastball has a natural ride and cut, while his slider is his best pitch according to scouting grades (60). His changeup isn't great, but it can be effective when used right. He needs to improve his overall command, but it's clear that the Rangers view him as a Major League starting pitcher. If his command issues don't improve and he struggles in the majors as a starter, the Rangers could eventually convert him to a reliever to help fill out a depleted bullpen. But for now, expect Winston to make some starts for the Rangers next season.