Why this Rangers pitching prospect will return stronger in 2025

The Rangers' minor league system was without right-handed pitching prospect Jose Corniell in 2024. He underwent surgery to his UCL in his elbow, and even though this happened in June, he did not pitch before the procedure either.

The 15th overall prospect in the Rangers' organization missed all of 2024, but will look to return at some point in 2025. The injury stunted Corniell's development in a crucial way as he was coming off of an outstanding 2023 season that saw his stock rise. In fact, he was ranked ninth among the Rangers' top 30 prospects to open 2024, but his surgery dropped him down.

Nonetheless, he will return stronger in 2025. The Rangers need him to return to his 2023 self since he is a big name who could greatly impact the club's future. Let's take a closer look at Corniell and what he could bring to the table in 2025.

Jose Corniell will be an important prospect for the Rangers to watch in 2025 as he returns from elbow surgery

In 2022, Corniell had a rough season. Across 66 innings, he posted an earned run average of 5.45 and struck out 71 hitters. Opposing batters had an average of .235 against him and his walk rate was 11.9%, producing a WHIP of 1.39.

These marks were not good, but he broke out in 2023. In 101.2 innings pitched, Corniell had an earned run average of 2.92 with a WHIP of 0.99 as well as 119 strikeouts. Opponents batted just .194 against him and his walk rate was only 7.9%. He emerged as a top prospect in 2023 across two league levels.

It would have been very exciting to see the young fireballer throw in 2024, but he will return from this surgery stronger. If he can make a quick recovery and have a similar level of success compared to what he was able to accomplish in 2023, he could be a guy on the Opening Day roster come 2026.

But for now, keep an eye on the progression and recovery of the Rangers' 15th ranked prospect, Jose Corniell. There are various pitching prospects in the organization who could do damage in MLB, and he is towards the top of the list.