Unheralded Rangers prospect Paxton Kling's strong season has bled over into AFL showcase

When you think of Texas Rangers prospects, outfielder Paxton Kling likely isn't the first name to come to mind. He is Texas' No. 20 overall prospect. However, he has recently proved he deserves to be talked about more.

Paxton, 23, displayed strong on-base skills during the 2026 season, posting a .383 on-base percentage over 89 games (84 at High-A and five at Double-A). He also stole 40 bases.

Kling has continued to impress after the season concluded. The outfielder slashed .467/.579/.667 with eight RBI and four stolen bases in his first three Arizona Fall League games this year. On Thursday, he showed off his wheels with an elite 30.4 ft/sec sprint speed.

The Rangers selected Kling in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Pennsylvania State University. The Rangers signed him for an over-slot $375,000. Before joining Penn State, Kling played two seasons at Louisiana State University. He had an impressive final collegiate season, slashing .358/.470/.632 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI, and 15 stolen bases over 56 games.

According to MLB Pipeline, Kling could've been selected in the first three rounds in 2022 if he hadn't withdrawn from the Draft to play at LSU.

In his first professional season, Kling hit .301/.355/.446 with one home run, seven RBI, and two stolen bases over 21 games between Single-A and High-A.

Rangers' prospect Paxton Kling has impressed with speed, on-base skills

Kling hasn't shown much power since being drafted by Texas, as he hit just seven home runs this year. But that's OK. The outfielder has proved he can succeed by using his on-base skills and speed. If he can start hitting more home runs, it'll just be a bonus. Paxton is also known as a strong defender with a good arm.

Kling is a right-handed hitter and fielder. He has the speed to stick in center field and a strong enough arm to play right. While he still has plenty to prove offensively, he has already shown very encouraging signs at the plate.

MLB Pipeline projects Kling will reach the majors in 2028. That's probably a fair assumption, as the outfielder just reached Double-A in September. He will likely start the 2027 season at Double-A, then end the year in Triple-A if he performs well.

Luckily, Kling isn't on the Rangers' 40-man roster, meaning he will be eligible to play minor-league baseball if the expected lockout extends through the regular season.

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