Texas Rangers 2020 Top 50 Prospects

Josh Jung, Hickory Crawdads. August 14, 2019. Photo credit - Regina Rickert. @acrphoto on Twitter

The Texas Rangers are in a strange position right now. They’ve seen the good and the bad throughout the last decade, kicking it off with back-to-back AL Pennants and ending it with a few postseason-less seasons. Texas has some top-notch prospects sitting down at the lower levels that might be a few seasons away from making a huge impact in Arlington, but they are not far off from contending already in what has been a less than spectacular AL West.

With the calendar now flipped into the 20’s, the Rangers are hoping the new decade can lead to new success. This is by no means a rebuilding club, but a 78-84 year is not what was expected. With a new decade, a new ballpark and possibly some new faces, the Rangers will be a team that might not be expected to be among the league’s best, but it would not shock most if they are still kicking and playing meaningful baseball come September.


I hope you all enjoy! Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@CaseyKrish) if you want to talk about the rankings, baseball, or just sports in general. Also, follow (@Prospects1500) for all things Minor League Baseball and prospects, and be sure to give the other 29 Top 50 lists a read! Many longtime readers should be familiar with the tier system for our prospect rankings. They are as follows:

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years.
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor.
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor.
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimum impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster.


Tier 1
1. Josh Jung, 3B
Age: 21 (02/12/98)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Jung is undoubtedly pegged to be the future at the hot corner for Texas. After years of having Adrian Beltre, the expectations at the position are mighty. Jung was selected No. 8 out of Texas Tech last summer, and in a 40 game audition at Hickory, he slashed .287 with a homer and 23 RBI. It’s a small sample, but it’s enough to warrant some excitement in 2020. Jung is an advanced hitter, even among older guys that have college experience. We know he can hit, and in 2020 we should find out if he truly is the future of the organization. As I stated in my New Year’s wish, I’d like to see him challenged and move through the system quickly.


Tier 2
2. Leody Taveras, OF
Age: 21 (09/08/98)
2019 Highest Level: AA Frisco

Taveras is a bit more raw than Jung, but he has the talent to be the future of the outfield in Texas. He has the speed to be a CF while swiping a few bases here and there. The Rangers believe he has untapped potential to be a power hitter as well, which could slide him over to a corner spot. Taveras was not the biggest of guys when he signed back in 2015, but over the past few seasons, he has put on some muscle to his frame. There’s little doubt Taveras could earn a 2020 call-up, and it is then where the organization can experiment where he better fits.

3. Cole Winn, RHP
Age: 20 (11/25/99)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

If you look at the stats, Winn struggled with a 4.46 ERA across 18 starts for Hickory. The 5.1 BB/9 is a culprit that will lead to the below average numbers, but considering he was a 19 year making his professional debut a few levels higher than most high school draft picks, there is no reason to panic. His fastball and curveball are already plus weapons. A possible repeat of Low-A has to be in play as he continues to develop a third pitch.

4. Hans Crouse, RHP
Age: 21 (09/15/1998)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Crouse was my No. 1 in my 2019 Midseason Rangers Top 50, and while I don’t think he would still be there if healthy (thanks to the emergence of Jung), undergoing offseason surgery to repair some bone spurs creates a little bit of a scare. I’m certain he will be fine, if not better, in 2020 if he was pitching through discomfort last year, but I won’t pull the trigger until it happens. The velocity was able to reach 100 pre-surgery and the breaking ball is a plus pitch. Crouse kept the walk rate at 1.9 BB/9 which is a vast improvement from 2018. Crouse is still really good, it’s just the question marks from an operation that has a sliver of concern in the back of my mind. Ask me about him again in May.

5. Nick Solak, 2B/3B
Age: 25 (01/11/1995)
2019 Highest Level: MLB Texas

Solak was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in July of last season and immediately entered into the upper echelon of the system. Solak is listed as a 2B and 3B, but with the future of the hot corner reserved for Josh Jung, he most likely fits at second. Solak hit .293 in 135 plate appearances in the big leagues last September. With the struggles of Rougned Odor and the emergence of Solak, there’s a chance of there being a change out in Texas as early as Opening Day, especially if Odor continues to struggle in Spring Training or Solak lights the world on fire. Don’t expect Solak to be on the midseason Top 50.

6. Samuel Huff, C
Age: 22 (01/14/1998)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Huff should be turning 22 on the day these rankings are published. Huff was one of the best hitting catchers in the MiLB. Across two levels, Huff hit 28 HR and slashed .278. Not bad for a catcher. His issue, like many power hitters, is his struggle to make consistent contact. His K% is just under 30%, but that is actually lower than some other power hitters in the lower minors. He’s big for the position at 6’4, but his defense isn’t by any means a liability. If he can cut down on the strikeouts while continuing to hit for reasonable power then you can settle for an average defender behind the dish. MVP of the 2019 Futures Game for smashing a game-tying HR!

7. Joe Palumbo, LHP
Age: 25 (10/26/94)
2019 Highest Level: MLB Texas

A former 30th round pick in 2013, Palumbo battled back from TJ Surgery in 2017 to finally make his debut in 2019. He got rocked to a 9.18 ERA and allowed seven homers in 16.2 IP, but also struck out 21 over that same time. He has a respectable fastball around 92 and a devastating put away breaking ball. If he can limit the long ball and hard contact, Palumbo is a late round steal that has a chance at a career as a back of the rotation guy. I would not be surprised if he breaks camp heading to the big club.


Tier 3
8. Bubba Thompson, OF
Age: 21 (06/09/98)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Thompson was once the highest rated prospect in the system. The first round selection out of high school in 2017 had an audition in A+ ball to be forgotten, hitting just .178 over 228 plate appearances. Another issue has been the strikeouts, which are approaching nearly 33% of his at bats. As a guy known for his speed rather than his bat, keeping on base is paramount. At least put the ball in play. He’s still young, so let’s not write him off completely.

9. Bayron Lora, OF
Age: 17 (09/29/02)
2019 Highest Level: N/A

A 6’5, 230 pound 17 year old. Next. In all seriousness, Lora received $4.2 million to sign with Texas last summer. The size and build is enough of a reason to get any organization excited. I am interested to see how he fares in professional ball. The potential for power is there, but with any power hitter, the downgrade is usually a hefty amount of swings and misses, and coupled with his youth, there might be a lot of frustration before we start to see results. Boy, do I hope I eat my words on that.

10. Sherten Apostel, 3B
Age: 20 (03/11/99)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Here is a guy with some unlocked power potential. After hitting 15 long balls over 80 games with Hickory, Apostel couldn’t find the power stroke as often in Down East. This is to be expected with the jump in level, and also coupled with the fact that the season had taken its toll. Now, the only thing standing in his way is Josh Jung. A potential move to first base could be in the cards for Apostel. I got a few looks at him in Hickory in May of 2019 and was not overly impressed with his defense at third so… maybe a move over to first can be beneficial?

11. Davis Wendzel, 3B
Age: 22 (05/23/97)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Wendzel was selected in the 37th round in 2018 by the Boston Red Sox. After choosing to undergo another season at Baylor University, Wendzel was able to climb into the compensatory rounds and be the 41st overall selection. Like with Apostel, Wendzel is blocked at the hot corner with Josh Jung in the system. He can hit, as evidenced by his .373 average during his junior season at Baylor. He sits behind Apostel on this list due to the lack of power that generally accompanies a third basemen. Some prospectors have Wendzel much further down their boards. I have a lot of trust in polished collegiate players.

12. Brock Burke, LHP
Age: 23 (08/04/96)
2019 Highest Level: MLB Texas

Burke made six appearances in the pros this summer, and all that’s there to show for it are bloated numbers. Burke has four pitches that he has a pretty decent feel for. The only downside is that none of the pitches seem to stand out… although some may argue that’s a positive. Burke will need to develop a better breaking ball if he is to stick in the rotation in the future. If not, he can be a solid bullpen piece that has an outside shot at making the opening day roster. If not, Burke should be getting some starts in AAA.

13. Maximo Acosta, SS
Age: 17 (10/29/02)
2019 Highest Level: N/A

Exactly a month younger than Lora, Acosta has the combination of power and speed as a shortstop. Yes, you read that correctly – power and shortstop in the same sentence. I read a comparison of him to Gleyber Torres. He’s a line drive hitter with the ability to go to all fields very well. If he can work on getting underneath the ball a little bit, it’s just a matter of watching it fly. Did I mention this kid is only 17? Cause you know, Torres is only 23.

14. Steele Walker, OF
Age: 23 (07/30/96)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Winston Salem (White Sox)

This is one of those guys that you want to root for, but he’s not on your team so you can’t. Well, now he is! Acquired in the Nomar Mazara trade last month, Walker is a guy with a good build and a solid bat. At 5’11 190, he fit in nicely as a center fielder who can do it all. The defense is average, but it is not a liability and he showed good range. Walker finally showed the ability to strut some power in 2019, hitting 10 in exactly 100 games with Winston Salem. If he hits homers in 2o20 at around that same pace, don’t be surprised to see him rise up the list in the Midseason Top 50.

15. Heriberto Hernandez, 1B/C
Age: 20 (12/16/99)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Hernandez is off to a torrid start over his first two years in the Dominican Summer League, slashing a .320/.450/.635 line while hitting 23 homers in just over 100 total games. He earned a call stateside to end last season and picked up three hits in his first 10 plate appearances while drawing two walks. He strikes out a lot, but he also finds a way on base a lot. That’s a nice skill to have at such a young age. The biggest question for the organization is finding a permanent position for Hernandez as he moves up the latter. Many think that 1B or RF might be the best option.

16. Jonathan Hernandez, RHP
Age: 23 (07/06/96)
2019 Highest Level: MLB Texas

Hernandez has fallen victim to the usual. The stuff is great, but you just don’t know where it’s going. Hernandez got a cup of coffee in the majors in 2019, and actually pitched fairly well despite a 4.32 ERA over 16.2 innings. The issue lies in the 13 walks given up over that stretch. Hernandez has a fastball that reached 97-98 and an arsenal of breaking pitches including a curve and slider that fooled hitters even at the highest level. I really hope he can figure out his control issues early. He can be a vital piece out of the bullpen as early as this season.

17. Jonathan Ornelas, SS
Age: 19 (05/26/00)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

It’s hard to say that a former third round pick is underrated, but I can wholeheartedly say that with Ornelas. I saw him later in the season develop some wanky leg kick action that caused him to struggle just a little. I’m not sure if that can be chalked up to fatigue or just some unnoticed habit. Ornelas is a very underrated defender who has a high possibility of sticking up the middle in the big leagues. I think he could repeat at Hickory if the mechanics in the swing aren’t carved out by the end of camp, but if that’s the case then don’t expect it to be a long stay.

18. Julio Pablo Martinez, OF
Age: 23 (03/21/96)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

JPM signed a little later than most international prospects do as a 21 year old. With that being the case, he has progressed somewhat quickly through the system, and should start the 2020 season in AA Frisco. I think JPM has the potential to be a 20-25 homer guy while stealing 20-25 bases as well as a CF. Okay, the power numbers may be reaching for the stars, but if it does come – watch out. I would like to see the strikeout numbers drop from his over 30% rate last year.

19. Ricky Vanasco, RHP
Age: 21 (10/13/98)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Vanasco is a guy I don’t know much about. A mid round pick out of high school, he has quickly driven up the prospect boards in the system. In fact, if you go find other rankings among Texas prospectors, I would bet having him at No. 19 is the lowest out there. He has a fastball, curveball, changeup look, and from what I gather, he is approaching 100 on the gun. I expect him to start the season in Hickory, where he made only two appearances last summer. Hopefully I can get a look at him.

20. Ronny Henriquez, RHP
Age: 19 (06/20/00)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

This kid lit up the DSL in 2018, pitching to a 5-0 mark and sub-2 ERA over 11 starts and 58 innings. In 2019, the numbers were not as pretty, but the development was fine for a kid making his first pro appearances state side. Reports have him hitting 98 on occasions, but realistically you could expect 92-94. A 10.87 K/9 rate as a 19 year old in Low-A ball is not something to scoff at. Another solid season and this will be a 20-year-old to watch.

21. Luisangel Acuna, 2B/SS
Age: 17 (03/22/02)
2019 Highest Level: Rookie DSL

Hopefully the last name sounds familiar. Older brother Ronald Acuna is lighting up the NL East for the Atlanta Braves. Acuna is a small guy at only 155 pounds, but has the range up the middle to be one of the best in the game. I should only have to say one thing that should put him on the map. 34 walks to 26 strikeouts. Find me another guy in the Rangers system that walks in 15% of their at bats, especially as a 17 year old.

22. Chris Seise, SS
Age: 21 (01/06/99)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

It feels like Seise has been in the system for a loooong time. Truth is, he has only played 21 games over the past two seasons after being the Rangers first round selection in 2o17. I’m rooting for the kid to do well and bounce back. He just turned 21, so don’t give up on him yet. He has incredible bat speed and potential power. Siese just has to stay on the field. Let’s see what 2020 holds for him.

23. Osleivis Basabe, SS/2B/3B
Age: 19 (09/13/00)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Okay, let me just triple check the spelling of Osleivis for the 30th time I’ve typed it. Basabe hit .325 in the Arizona League in 2019 before getting a brief stay in Spokane. He’s a tall and skinny middle infielder who doesn’t have a lot of pop. What he does well is put the ball in play and use his speed to cause havoc on the basepaths. Basabe is already an advanced hitter for a teenager. Now let’s see it against tougher competition.

24. Yerry Rodriguez, RHP
Age: 22 (10/15/97)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Rodriguez was very underrated in the SAL this season after posting a 7-3 record and 2.08 ERA across just 13 starts. Rodriguez has a nice mix of pitches and has the potential to be a back end of the rotation piece in the future. He was limited to only 13 games last season with an arm injury (UCL sprain). Let’s see what comes of him during a full healthy campaign.

25. Anderson Tejeda, SS/2B
Age: 21 (05/01/98)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Tejeda displayed some power in 2018 after mashing 19 homers and .259/.331/.439 slash line across a full season in High-A. He was limited to just 43 games last season, but I can not come across any direct details relating to the injury he has. I remember seeing him back in 2017 and he made a few solid defensive plays at SS. The is a kid I’m excited to see get back out on the field this year. If he has a solid season in AA, he might cause the Rangers to take a very long look at him next spring.


Tier 4
26. David Garcia, C

Age: 19 (02/06/00)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Garcia is a smaller than average sized catcher at 5’11 170. With that notion, he can still play very well behind the plate, but you wonder how long the Rangers give him behind the dish. Garcia makes solid contact with just about every swing he takes. If he can develop a little bit of pop in his bat and he might become the most feared teenage catcher in the minors.

27. Tyler Phillips, RHP
Age: 22 (10/27/97)
2019 Highest Level: AA Frisco

After a successful 2018 season in which Phillips won 11 games with Low-A Hickory, 2019 was a bit of a struggle. That’s not to say he was bad, as after just six appearances with High-A Down East he was sent to AA. He is a low walk guy who really doesn’t have very overpowering stuff. The changeup is probably his best pitch as it plays faster than it is. He won’t blow hitters away, but his pinpoint accuracy certainly makes up for it. I’d expect him to be a long reliever in the future with an outside shot at a back of the rotation guy.

28. Randy Florentino, C/1B
Age: 19 (07/05/00)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Florentino is a young kid who does my favorite thing a hitter can do – draw walks! In just over 400 professional plate appearances, Florentino has drawn 78 walks. Mix that with an above average batting average of .281 for a catcher and that leaves an OBP north of .400. Now, we can expect a drop off as he starts to move up the ranks, but there is no denying that this kid as the potential to be a guy that can work counts and get on base when needed. The defense is still a work in progress since he has not been catching his whole life. A move to 1B is being discussed.

29. Ryan Garcia, RHP
Age: 21 (01/24/98)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

It is hard to judge a guy based off a college season, but here we are. Garcia went 10-1 with a 1.44 ERA and stuck out 117 over 94 innings of work as a starter for UCLA. A lot of people will be spectacle on a guy who only made three pro appearances in his draft year, but Garcia certainly as the potential to move up this list by midseason. He had some injuries during his time at UCLA, but they were not significant enough to keep the Rangers from giving him a chance with their second pick in last year’s draft.

30. Alexander Ovalles, OF/1B
Age: 19 (10/06/00)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Ovalles lit up rookie ball last season to the tune of a .377/.437/.623 slash line across 25 games. The story wrote a different narrative upon promotion to Spokane, where the teenager hit just .177. This might be a flyer pick for me since I was impressed with the first half of the season. He can spread the ball around and will rack up a lot of extra base hits when he is hitting.

31. Cole Ragans, LHP
Age: 22 (12/12/97)
2019 Highest Level: N/A

Ragans has slipped down my rankings the past few seasons simply due to the fact that he hasn’t seen the mound since 2017. Two TJ surgeries is, well… double as concerning as one. In 2017, he put up a 13.66 K/9 ratio, but also gave up walks at a 5.49 BB/9 clip. If he can tone down the walks, the everything will fall into place. He’s only 22, so there is still some time to come back from the surgeries after two completely lost seasons.

32. Pedro Gonzalez, OF
Age: 22 (10/27/97)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Gonzalez is going to drop down a few lists simply due to the disappointing numbers he produced in 2019. Repeating a second year at Hickory, Gonzalez improved his average from .234 to .248, but did find a power stroke and nearly doubled his home run total from 12 to 23. I would have liked to see a little more from a guy who repeated the level, but the power he has unlocked is keeping him just out of the top 30.

33. Keithron Moss, 2B/SS/3B
Age: 18 (08/20/01)
2019 Highest Level: Rookie AZL

Moss is an 18-year-old from the Bahamas and is certainly a work in progress. After two seasons in rookie ball, you’d like to see the strikeouts drop for a guy who has very little power. He has some speed and is good at drawing free bases where he has the potential to cause havoc on the basepaths. The only downside is the strikeouts. For a guy that is most likely going to make his living on the bases, he needs to put the ball in play more often than not. You can’t reach base if you’re striking out.

34. Taylor Hearn, LHP
Age: 25 (08/30/94)
2019 Highest Level: MLB Texas

Hearn made one appearance in the bigs in 2019 and it went badly. Hearn is on the older side, as injuries and lack of command have really kept him from already being a solid contributor at the MLB level. He has a fastball than sits 94-97 and some secondary pitches like a slider that has come along nicely since he was drafted. The injuries and lack of command are the only things still holding him back at this point. He’s a guy that should get a call up if he is producing in 2020.

35. Owen White, RHP
Age: 20 (08/09/99)
2019 Highest Level: N/A

White is a 20-year-old who was a second round pick in 2018 out of HS. He underwent TJ surgery early in the 2019 season and has yet to throw an inning of professional ball. He isn’t expected back until later in the summer, if at all this year. Without any pro ball under his belt, it’s hard to rank him, but being a high draft pick with the buzz and potential around his name lands him a spot on the list for now. He’s a good size and has a fastball touching around 93-95. Let’s wait for him to make his debut before predicting what his ceiling can be.

36. A.J. Alexy, RHP
Age: 21 (04/21/98)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Alexy was shut down with a lat strain after limited action in 2019. He has great strikeout stuff, but like others in the system, he has the issue of creating his own mess on the basepaths with far too many walks. If he can find the command and limit the free passes, he has a fastball that averages 94 and secondary pitches that can give him a shot at being a back of the rotation piece in the future.

37. DeMarcus Evans, RHP
Age: 23 (10/22/96)
2019 Highest Level: AA Frisco

A nominee for Prospects1500 2019 RP Prospect of the Year, Evans was the best reliever in the system in 2019. With a 0.96 ERA across 37.2 innings of work after being promoted to AA, Evans has made a strong case to be higher on this list. The only thing holding him down are the walks. He gave out 22 free passes in those 37.2 innings of work. He excelled in stranding runners on base last season. A few bloop base hits mixed in here or there would have derailed that stat line. With that being said, I really like Evans’ fastball and think he has the potential to be the future closer or other high leverage guy in the pen.


Tier 5

38. Jake Latz, LHP
Age: 23 (04/08/96)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Latz went 5-1 with a 1.76 ERA in 51 innings after being promoted to Down East after two starts with Hickory. His fastball isn’t overpowering at 90-92, but he’s a pitcher. He uses his curveball and changeup well and makes the fastball play more like 94-96. He had his season ended a little early in 2019, so let’s see what he can bring in a full season. Expect him to open in AA or at least get the call very early into the season.

39. John King, LHP
Age: 25 (09/14/94)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

King is older than most players still in A ball, but in 2019 he showed promise. After battling TJ surgery, King returned to the mound and pitched to a 2.03 ERA in 71 innings in High-A. His fastball sits in the mid 90’s and his off speed certainly is good enough to move him higher up in the system. The surgery did not affect his pinpoint control, which is a great sign. As long as that sticks with him, the floor is as a reliever in the big leagues. We just got to hope it’s before too much longer.

40. Jason Bahr, RHP
Age: 24 (02/15/95)
2019 Highest Level: AA Frisco

After dominating High-A to the tune of 6-1 with a 1.71 ERA across 11 starts, Bahr was promoted to AA. Here he put up very similar numbers at 4-3 ane 3.23, but the walks and strikeouts were fairly similar. A lower to mid 90’s fastball and the always sought after splitter are his best weapons. Nothing truly remarkable stands out with Bahr, but he’s produced results since being drafted, so he certainly has the upside.

41. Eli White, SS/2B/OF
Age: 25 (06/26/94)
2019 Highest Level: AAA Nashville

After tearing up AA while in the Oakland system, White came back down to earth in 2019 in his first go at AAA. Not to say he was bad, as a .253/.337/.418 is nothing to scoff at. He also hit 14 homers and stole 14 bases. White seems like he can be a solid utility player in the MLB level if he can remain consistent and cut down on a 28% strikeout rate. Keep him as a potential to make the Opening Day roster, but I would expect him to be the first call up this year after an injury.

42. Alex Speas, RHP
Age: 21 (03/04/98)
2019 Highest Level: Rookie AZL

Speas lit the SAL on fire in 2018, but unfortunately needed TJ and missed all but two appearances in 2019 after recovery. Pre surgery, Speas was hitting 92-95 and making hitters look silly. Walks were a huge problem, and if that is not corrected, he will never make way into the Texas rotation. Worst comes around, I feel he will be a solid bullpen piece as long as he can somewhat ease up on the walks.

43. Kyle Cody, RHP
Age: 25 (08/09/94)
2019 Highest Level: N/A

Another casualty to TJ surgery in the system. Here is a guy I hope isn’t derailed by the setback. After a 2017 season in which he went 9-6, 2.64 across both single-A levels, Cody has taken the mound for only five innings since, losing a full two seasons of development. At 6’7, he is an intimidating presence on the mound. He was already a bit older for the level in 2017, but after losing two full years, I’d expect Cody to move slowly through 2020. By the end of the year he should be in AA at the worst.

44. Miguel Aparicio, OF
Age: 20 (03-17-99)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Aparicio is a speedy outfield prospect with some power potential that hasn’t been untapped yet. He hit 12 homers and swiped 12 bases in 112 games with Hickory last year, but only hit .251. I want to see a little more contact from him before I place him any higher on the list. The ceiling for now is capped at being a fourth outfielder, but if the average can jump up a little bit then perhaps there is a shot at being an everyday CF.

45. Curtis Terry, 1B
Age: 23 (10/06/96)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

Here we have a power hitting 1B who strikeouts way fewer than you’d expect him to. As someone who can’t stand the new era mindset that striking out is okay if you hit home runs, this is exactly what I like to see. Don’t get me wrong, Terry will take his fair share of swings and misses, but a 24% clip is not that bad when you consider the power. Yes, I just contradicted my first statement, but we all know some guys are going to strikeout A LOT more than 24%. Terry has the potential of a big league 1B or maybe DH.

46. Charles Leblanc, 3B/2B/SS
Age: 23 (06/03/96)
2019 Highest Level: AA Frisco

Leblanc is a super utility type player who can line up at any spot in the infield, and I’m sure the outfield as well if ever called upon. He has had a solid career moving up the system, with solid and respectable numbers. There is very little power to his game, but many feel that he could e a 15-20 homer guy one day. That’s going to have to be a wait and see. His versatility will be what keeps him as a possible call up in 2020 should he be needed.

47. Frainyer Chavez, SS/2B/3B
Age: 20 (05/24/99)
2019 Highest Level: Low-A Hickory

Chavez had a tough go in Hickory, hitting .255 and only leaving the yard once. He is still young and has a ton of potential, but it just seems the Rangers are going to really have to work in order to get him to unlock that potential. He’s got speed with 40 steals over his first two seasons, as well as the ability to play all over the infield. Right now, we just have to wait and see what 2020 and beyond bring for this young man.

48. Jayce Easley, 2B/SS
Age: 20 (08/02/99)
2019 Highest Level: Short-Season Spokane

Easley is a speedy middle infield prospect who can handle the bat well. He’s one of those pest players who is going to put the ball in play and beat you with his legs on the basepaths. He will probably never develop a whole bunch of power, but he can drive the ball when he gets into one. The speed is just something you can’t teach. He projects as a top or bottom of the order guy who is going to make contact and make the defense work for every out when he’s in the box.

49. Brendon Davis, SS/3B/OF
Age: 22 (07/28/97)
2019 Highest Level: AA Frisco

Davis is a big but lanky prospect who can play anywhere on the left side. The biggest thing for him in 2020 is to gain some size to his 6’4 figure, which could help him develop some more power. Davis has the tools to be a power hitting 3B or corner outfielder, but now it’s about tapping into that potential.

50. Reid Anderson, RHP
Age: 24 (08/22/95)
2019 Highest Level: High-A Down East

As a New Jersey native myself, the home state man gets the nod at the final spot. That’s not a bias entry, in fact, I might have him lower than most, but 2019 was not a dominant stretch for Anderson. In my looks, his delivery seemed a bit inconsistent and the numbers don’t really jump off the page. Anderson is getting a long leash as a potential starter with the Rangers in the future. That’s an interesting story to watch in 2020, but I ultimately think long reliever is the spot for him.




4 Comments

  1. Yerry Rodriguez had an arm injury. Which took me about 12 seconds to find out.

    “Right-handed pitcher Yerry Rodriguez, who was in the midst of a breakout year in the lower levels of the Rangers’ farm system, has been shut down with a UCL sprain.”

    • Good catch batflix, I should have been more specific. His status for 2020 is unknown. All reports had him being shut down in July from the UCL sprain, but TJ was not confirmed at the time.

  2. I was hoping to see anything on Alisson Del Orbe. He was a 2018 international signing out of Dominican. Only 17 years old in DSL and first in OPS on the team by A LOT (949 with the next best being 805). I can’t find the kid on any list anywhere. I figured if anybody noted him it would be you. Know anything on the kid?

2 Trackbacks / Pingbacks

  1. DALSportsNation Countdown – Top 20 Rangers Prospects: 20-16 | Dallas Sports Nation
  2. 2020 1st Bowman Autographs: Your Hot Sheet Checklist | Prospects1500

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