Texas Rangers Organization Discussion

by John Sickels on Oct 22, 2025 1:23 PM EDT

I am now working on the Kansas City Royals Top 20, to be followed by the New York Mets, the Texas Rangers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. We have a Mets discussion going below, so let's keep moving forward with the Rangers.

My initial reaction is that this system has thinned out due to major league graduations and trades. Is that an accurate assessment in your view? Who do you like as sleepers to watch in this organization?

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Well

Kasey Kiker is clearly the #1 prospect in the system. After that it is a little tough to say.

by auclairkeithbc on Oct 22, 2025 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

i'm assuming that's a joke

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Oct 23, 2025 2:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Mike Olt....

I don’t know if he’s a sleeper anymore, but he was at draft time. I think he is a very interesting prospect

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Oct 22, 2025 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

I hope it works out with this kid. Other than Olt, there doesn’t seem to be anybody else that could step in for us at the 3rd base position in the future. He still needs to refine his offense but his defense would definitely be an upgrade over Young.

by Hook 'em Horns on Oct 22, 2025 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions

The system's lacking

high level, top 100 guys but still has very solid pitching depth throughout the levels. There won’t be many guys who make an impact in the next few years but the system should continue to produce consistently.

"By MLB.TV, we can see J. Hamilton's homer, M. Young's clutch, and N. Feliz's explosive. All about Rangers things can be our interest"
--South Korean Rangers fan

by Conjunction on Oct 22, 2025 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

Martin Perez isn't a "high level, top 100 guy" for you...?

Tanner Scheppers isnt? Profar? Beltre? I’d be pretty shocked if Perez and Scheppers didn’t make an impact in the next few years.

I think Rangers fans are just spoiled from last year. This is still one of the better systems around for me.

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by alskor on Oct 22, 2025 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

The Rangers staff obviously knows the situation a lot better than I do, but it SEEMS like the smart thing to do this offseason is move Feliz back into the starting role and move Scheppers into the closers role.

If Scheppers isn’t ready to close, there’s always other options, but Feliz has to get back to starting unless they really know he’s not durable enough.

by Humbled Fan on Oct 22, 2025 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with you on Feliz

Heck, I’d be tempted to go out and sign a different relief ace or even use Ogando or somebody else in the role so I could return Feliz to starting and keep Scheppers a starter for now.

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by alskor on Oct 22, 2025 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Feliz is probably at least partially dependent on Lee

If Lee resigns, that gives them Lee, Wilson, and Lewis locking down the top 3 slots. The expectation is that Holland should be ready to claim his own spot for good, and Hunter has built up enough goodwill that they seem comfortable going with him as a 4 or 5, plus you still have Kirkman, maybe Hurley coming back, Ross not too far off, and other veteran fallback options like Feldman. At that point, I doubt they mess with what’s worked, especially since that could really expose the bullpen. Ogando looks like a keeper and potential closer, but after that you have either 40 year old Oliver or sidearming O’Day as your next best RP.

If Lee goes, then that opens things up much more and I think they’re much more likely to try Feliz as an SP, signing an RP or two while hoping Scheppers is ready.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

yea, agreed, if they resign Lee

no way Feliz is made a starter next year, could see it in 2012 with CJ possibly coming off the books… if they dont get Lee back then it becomes somewhat iffy, I could see them giving him a shot come spring training at starting and then deciding how it best shakes out for them, do they need a closer more a starter more and if Feliz is capable of handling being starter at a reasonably high level.

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't get the lack of love for Ogando

I’ve spent most of a year watching Ogando and Feliz and I’ve seen Scheppers a number of times as well. I think Ogando with his high nineties fastball and good slider compares very favorably to that group and as compared to taking Scheppers straight out of AAA (where he didn’t even do all that great) eseems like the obvious choice to close, at least to start next year, if they do push Feliz into the rotation

by Dalman on Oct 22, 2025 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Im all for Ogando closing

His stuff is nasty

by forloveofthegam3 on Oct 23, 2025 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to see that

but Im not sure it makes sense from an orginizational stand point to put Feliz as a starter quite yet, we’ll likely have too many starters as is going into next year. I expect them to run Feliz out there one more year as the closer and then give him a shot at starting the following year.

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Feliz is going to be the closer for another year

or two, especially if they keep Lee (and that’s looking more and more likely). But that STILL doesn’t preclude him from being a starter down the line, as Daniels as said repeatedly.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Sounds like another Papelbon situation.

"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."

by lenscrafters on Oct 23, 2025 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Perez is top 20 in my book

Scheppers top 50, Erlin and Beltre top 100s.
There are guys there, but the system’s not as flush as it once was.

"By MLB.TV, we can see J. Hamilton's homer, M. Young's clutch, and N. Feliz's explosive. All about Rangers things can be our interest"
--South Korean Rangers fan

by Conjunction on Oct 22, 2025 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Mostly agree

Missing Profar though, who has a case at top 50 and should be a lock for most every top 100. I might though bump Scheppers to the backhalf of the top 100; seems unlikely to me he’s going to be an SP, especially after his trial there this year.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Profar was nearly in my top 50 last year

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by alskor on Oct 22, 2025 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I could see Scheppers slipping out to the lower 50

and while I like Perez as much as I liked him last year, some may not see it that way after he struggled somewhat at AA.

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

thinner, but for the best of reasons

The number and quality of graduates from the Rangers system has been quite remarkable the past couple of years But, with the failure of Martin Perez to step up quite yet (although he certainly has all the potential in the world to do so) or for Tanner Scheppers to set the world on fire in AAA, they really don’t have a serious candidate for top 10-15. And the trades definitely reduced the number of guys belonging in the middle of a strong prospect list.

Still, they have some young guys who are well positioned to take a step forward, and the two mentioned above plus Profar, Beltre and some of the other good arms up and down the system certainly says that there could be more B+ or better prospects in this system’s future than there probably will be right now.

by Dalman on Oct 22, 2025 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

How about Robbie Erlin, whats the book on him look like?

114.2 innings, 125 K’s, 17 bb’s, 89 hits as a 19-year-old in the Sally.

Same with Joseph Ortiz, though exclusively as a reliever.

Wilmer Font also with some success in the Cal League.

They’ve still got some good pitching depth.

by Humbled Fan on Oct 22, 2025 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

Robbie Ross is another pitcher who can make an impact, probably as an innings-eating groundball pitcher. I’d take him before Ortiz and Font, at least.

by limozeen on Oct 22, 2025 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Robbie the Pearl Erlin

is easily confused with Robbie Ross… but beyond that, Erlin has shown an advanced feel for pitching and throws solid secondaries… His curveball coming out of hs was supposed to be real good and I think it has done him well early on. Throws low 90’s from what i’ve read. That K/BB ratio is pretty awesome, although he’s more of a flyball pitcher it seems. It will be interesting to see how hittable he is at high A and AA, that will be defining for him.

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I don’t discount Erlin as a prospect; I was just adding Ross to the conversation of Texas pitchers who are towards the top of the organization in terms of prospect value.

by limozeen on Oct 22, 2025 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought Ross was decent when I saw him

Not a high upside and probably slots better in the pen, but no reason why he shouldn’t see at least some major league time and possibly more than that.

by mrkupe on Oct 22, 2025 10:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Lots of breakout candidates in the lower levels

The system has 3-5 of the Top 100 prospects in baseball (Perez, Scheppers, and Profar + Beltre, Kirkman, and Erlin)

BA liked the system enough to have 17 Rangers minor leaguers ranked among their league Top 20’s:
- Tanner Scheppers - Plus fastball and curve
- Michael Kirkman - Plus fastball and slider
- Martin Perez - Plus fastball, curve, and change-up
- Engel Beltre -
- Robbie Erlin - LHP w/plus curve and plus command of an 88-91 MPH fastball
- Robbie Ross - Low-90’s fastball and average/above average slider
- Jurickson Profar
- Mike Olt
- Miggy de los Santos - LHP with low-90’s fastball, plus curve, and effective change-up
- Kellin Deglan
- Jake Skole
- Jared Hoying
- Roman Mendez - Mid- to upper 90’s fastball and occasionally plus slider
- Luis Sardinas
- Christian Villanueva
- Carlos Melo - plus fastball
- Teo Martinez

Wilmer Font will be a breakout candidate for the third consecutive year in 2011
Alexi Ogando is likely a future closer with a plus fastball and effective slider
Matt Thompson is a projectable RHP with outstanding control and plus curveball
Fabio Castillo had a very good year in the Cal League and was been the talk of Fall Instructs

The system has less star power this year but the depth is still there with several very intriguing breakout candidates (Mendez, de los Santos, Skole, Thompson, Font, Castillo).

by spurdynasty on Oct 22, 2025 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

"Lots of breakout candidates in the lower levels"

as do 29 other teams according to their fans.

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by doublestix on Oct 22, 2025 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

De Los Santos is pretty exciting; not sure if I’m really high on anyone else on the low end of this system, but Texas seems to do a good job developing their players, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see some of them become solid prospects.

by limozeen on Oct 22, 2025 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

don't really disagree

just saying, most if not all systems have upside guys like this. it doesn’t make a farm system look better or worse by arguing that point.

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by doublestix on Oct 22, 2025 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

yea, maybe I'm simply in a box as a Ranger's fan

but there are a ton of guys that have performed well or have had great scouting reports at the low levels, more so than I’ve heard in the past as this system was being built up.

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry, my post was meant as a response to the original post. I agree with you that Texas’s potential breakout guys aren’t particularly different from any other team’s (though since Texas’s system is deeper than most, they’re probably better than similar prospects in say, the White Sox system).

by limozeen on Oct 22, 2025 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I've heard some REALLY good things about these four guys.

- Luis Sardinas
- Christian Villanueva
- Carlos Melo – plus fastball
- Teo Martinez

I was told Villanueva might have the strongest infield arm in the league.

Scouting the Royals
Royals Prospects

by 306008 on Oct 23, 2025 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Villanueva

a lot more people are going to know his name this time next year, I think.

I also am very excited about how well Jake Skole adjusted to pro play, holding his own despite being very raw and playing against older and more experienced competition.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I like what I've read on Villanueva

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by jar75 on Oct 23, 2025 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I also have heard that he has a really good work ethic and spends a lot of extra time hitting and working in the weight room and on the field.

Those 4 guys have a great chance to do something.

Scouting the Royals
Royals Prospects

by 306008 on Oct 23, 2025 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Cody Buckel

I know he is destined for a reliever, but I wonder where he ends up on this list. I think he has a chance to be damn good, even if its just a reliever

by Ralpho316 on Oct 22, 2025 2:58 PM EDT reply actions

I didnt know he was destined to be a reliever

where did you hear that?

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Haven't heard that before

From what I’ve heard, he has a chance to develop 3 above average pitches.

by Hook 'em Horns on Oct 22, 2025 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Definitely down a few notches

Graduations, trades, and high level disappointments have them down from the top tier of systems at the moment, offhand somewhere in the 8-15 range. Biggest strike at the moment is that most of the advanced prospects have more questions than answers (Perez stalling or just a speedbump, can Beltre develop a competent plate approach, does Kirkman have the control to start, etc.). Still, pretty good depth across the positional spectrum, and their deep draft plus a good looking IFA crop should help the reloading process.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

yup sounds about right

definitely down from previous years, but I like the rebound-ability of this group.

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 22, 2025 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd have to sit down and think about it

but I’m hard pressed to think of 7 systems I’d prefer to Texas off the top of my head. Tampa, Atlanta, Kansas City, maybe Cincy…but that’s about it off the top of my head. Curious who else you’re thinking that would rank ahead of them.

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by gatling on Oct 22, 2025 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Those 4 definitely

Also Yankees, Minnesota definitely for me, probably Boston and Toronto as well. After that, I view the Rangers similarly to Cubs, Seattle, and Colorado. So, I guess after a bit more thought, 9-12 probably. Main thing is all the qualifiers on their high level prospects; still a good system that I think is more likely to bounce back up than fall further down.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I could see the Twins for sure

and I nearly mentioned Toronto. Yankees are more top heavy but I think I like the Rangers depth better(not that NY doesn’t have some depth, they certainly do). Boston would be close, though with Kalish losing eligibility and Westmoreland still in limbo I’m not sure I’d put them above Texas. I’d consider them a step above the other three mentioned as well, but I can see arguments being made for them depending on what you are emphasizing or how highly you might be on one or two specific names in each system.

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by gatling on Oct 22, 2025 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Forgot about Kalish

Keep thinking he’s still under rookie eligibility for some reason. Ok, yeah, without him, I knock Boston back into that mix with Texas; extremely similar systems without that extra advanced bat (much as I’m rooting for him, I’m not factoring Westmoreland into Boston’s system right now until more is known). I agree Rangers have a bit better depth than the Yanks, but I just like NY’s top prospects as a group much more. Also, thinking a bit more, I’d drop Seattle back another tier.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

i would

take the following systems ahead of the Rangers

1. KC
2. Atlanta
3. Boston
4. Tampa

but, the Rangers are still top-5 for me.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Oct 23, 2025 2:28 AM EDT up reply actions

why red sox right now?

not saying they are bad … i think they are in that 8-20 jumble for me, but I just don’t see them as top 5 right now. then again, i haven’t really pondered all the systems, but on the surface, it’s hard for me to see it. I don’t see enough high grade guys right now. A lot of B/B-/C+ types. Hard for me to see a system rank that high with few high grade types.

by toonsterwu on Oct 23, 2025 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Erlin and Ross

will be both be big-leaguers, IMO. Perez, Beltre, and Sheppers are all top 50 prospects. It’s not an elite system anymore, but it’s still very good.

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Oct 22, 2025 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

shepers aint top 50

by matthewmafa on Oct 22, 2025 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

not top 100 for me

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by doublestix on Oct 22, 2025 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Not top 200 for me

I doubt he even makes the top 10 for me in this system.

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by jar75 on Oct 22, 2025 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree...

I think he’s almost guaranteed to end up in the bullpen and it’s extremely difficult to be a top-100 prospect as a reliever.

Baseball-Intellect and THT

Pitch-by-Pitch: Scouting Chris Dwyer | Scouting Aaron Crow

by Alex Eisenberg on Oct 22, 2025 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

further agreement

Scheppers’ blowup in the second half and likely bullpen career destination probably means he’s not in the to 150

by jedjethro on Oct 22, 2025 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

?

who is this shepers you speak of?

sheppers, however, is top-100 for most people.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Oct 23, 2025 2:29 AM EDT up reply actions

is craig kimrel top 100?

kenley jansen? any other bullpen pitchers?

by matthewmafa on Oct 23, 2025 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions

??

Who is this sheppers you speak of?

Scheppers, however, is a top-100 for most people.

by BringBa on Oct 23, 2025 4:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

???

what is this top-100 you speak of?

Scheppers, however, is a top 100 for most people.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Oct 23, 2025 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

lol

nevermind.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Oct 23, 2025 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Top 10, prolly 8-10 range.

This system isn’t nearly as top heavy as it was in the last 2 years, but there is still talent. It hurt that they weren’t able to spend as much in the draft and the international market this year, but that doesn’t mean they just ignored it. This winter they signed 16 year old Catcher prospect Jorge Alfaro who was in the DSL this year, but has all the tools in the world. They didn’t break the bank on their draft picks, but they went after guys with good tools. Skole, Deglin, and Jackson all have a lot of potential, plus Olt has impressed so far and Buckel has some impressive stuff.

John, some guys at the lower level to look at who may be under the radar for now are Teo Martinez, Christian Villanueva, David Perez, and Richard Alvarez. That’s off the top of my head of the real young ones, but we still have a great collection of young arms stateside.

Martin Perez is still the cream of the crop and his numbers in AA should improve next year. People tend to overlook he was still a 19 year old in AA after skipping high A altogether. Scheppers is still a top pitching prospect who still has a chance to be a stud starter if he can develop his changeup. I thought about him while watching AJ Burnett the other night. Great mid 90’s (and up) fastball and great curve. Worst case scenario as a starter he’s in the back end of the rotation who can rack up strikeouts, but could easily be a shutdown closer. Beltre is starting to turn his tools into skills, and Profar and Luis Sardinas both had good years low on the farm. There are a lot of names that could draw the attention of other teams in trades, just the gap between the talent and how close they are to the big leagues is wide. I also look for the Rangers to be really aggressive in the International market next June, word all along is they have been looking towards that year’s crop over this year’s anyway (but that could be PR due to lack of cash.

by Rossome on Oct 22, 2025 3:55 PM EDT reply actions

That doesn't even mention..

Arms like Font, Erlin, Ross, Kirkman, etc. I think Kirkman should be in the top 100, especially after he showed he can get big league hitters out. He’s come a long way in the last few years and my bias would put him in the top 50. Opposing AAA managers felt he has better stuff than Derek Holland. I don’t agree with that, but it’s nice to know we have 2 young talented lefties going forward.

by Rossome on Oct 22, 2025 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone have an update on Wilmer Font's injury?

I know he was shut down for an elbow issue, but haven’t heard any real details or updates since. Thanks.

by philly on Oct 22, 2025 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

Iwonder how much his grade should be affected

I’d think if he were on a very good track, he’d be a B for sure, maybe on the lower end, but definitely better than a B-. However, if things are looking relatively pessimistic, he probably deserves no higher than a B-.

by auclairkeithbc on Oct 22, 2025 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

He's someone I'd consider

for a top 100 spot. Not likely if he’s still progressing poorly though.

by auclairkeithbc on Oct 22, 2025 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Not close for me

Injury history is extremely troubling, long ways to go with control and command, still doesn’t have a reliable secondary offering. Potential is there, but way too many warning signs for him to be top 100 until he actually shows a breakout.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

gotta agree

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by doublestix on Oct 22, 2025 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I'm not a big Wilmer Font fan

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by jar75 on Oct 22, 2025 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

The injury knocks him out for me

I had him pegged for a breakout this year but it didn’t happen. Maybe next year if healthy.

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by gatling on Oct 22, 2025 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Scheppers

Is he definitely top 100 for everyone? It takes a lot of optimism to view him as a future starter at this point, and he was pretty hittable during his PCL stint.

Yeah, he has a great arm, but at 24 years old next year, does he really have enough upside to warrant a top 100 spot as a probable MLB reliever?

by deezle on Oct 22, 2025 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

Definitely not for me

I really don’t see a good case for top 100 consideration. He’s almost definitely a reliever (I’d set the over/under at about 90%), and his poor finish to the season, along with ever-impending threat that his shoulder will cause him to break, is troubling. I give him a B-.

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by jar75 on Oct 22, 2025 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

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by Alex Eisenberg on Oct 22, 2025 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Not definitely, no

He has a case on the basis of still having one of the best pure arms, but yeah, his stock took a hit this year. I don’t really doubt him going forward as a good reliever, and the pure stuff is certainly there for him to be an elite level closer, so you can make the case for slipping in the backend, much less if you still hold out starting hopes. But yeah, I honestly can’t see him as an SP anymore myself, not with his PCL showing, durability concerns, and lack of progress on the change-up, so not sure he’d fit into mine or not; have to be a near lock as a dominating closer to crack a top 100, and his AAA struggles throw some doubt into that even with his stuff.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I disagree strongly

How many innings has he pitched in the last couple of years? He was bound to tire late in the season and the Rangers had him working on his stuff during games which affected his stats. Scheppers is a no brainer top 100 guy.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Isn't that kind of the point?

Scheppers will be 24 next season, has serious durability concerns, has yet to show he can handle a starter’s workload in professional ball (hasn’t even thrown 90+ innings since he was a sophomore, before the injury), failed in his stint as a starter this year, and still doesn’t have a usable change-up. Yes, he was focusing on the change and mechanics during his SP trial run, but that alone doesn’t excuse the exceptionally poor results, especially that precipitous a drop in strikeouts; besides, most reports I’ve seen say his change still has a long ways to go. He is not a no brainer top100 guy, because he is not a no-brainer SP. If you legitimately believe in him as an SP, he can be top 50, but there are very real reasons not to and quite a few who don’t, in which case he’s borderline top 100. That doesn’t make him a poor prospect, just a polarizing one.

by goldenblack on Oct 23, 2025 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

+1 million

by jedjethro on Oct 24, 2025 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Still pretty solid

For all the prospects that have graduated to the big leagues or have been traded, this system is still really solid. It’s not as top heavy as past years but there’s definitely some potential. Half of baseball would kill to have our system right now.

by Hook 'em Horns on Oct 22, 2025 9:58 PM EDT reply actions

I'd like to hear some more about Matt Thompson.

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by alskor on Oct 22, 2025 10:25 PM EDT reply actions

Going to have to keep proving himself

Great curve and command, but mediocre fastball (think he sat mostly 88-89) without good life and, so far as I know, his change-up is still a work in progress. Think he profiles as a reliever unless he has a breakthrough with his change or some other third pitch; doesn’t look like he has much more velocity projection. He can get by getting hitters to chase the curve at low levels while spotting the fastball, but that’s probably not going to work at higher levels multiple times through the order.

by goldenblack on Oct 22, 2025 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Matt throws a bit harder than 89

I’ve heard as much as 94 or so on more than a few occasions, although it is apparently rather flat

The Ranger's will win the AL pennant by 2013

by blalock84 on Oct 24, 2025 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Robert Erlin is my personal favorite

Scouts don’t give him top of the rotation upside, but short control artists are my textbook definition of “undervalued pitching prospect”. Statistically, he was incredible this year. 9.8 K/9 and 1.3 BB/9. Holy crap.

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by OremLK on Oct 23, 2025 12:15 AM EDT reply actions

love him

But as far as I can tell, just about everybody had good intuition about him coming into this year. It’ll be interesting to see where he goes from here as he still doesn’t have major upside and, let’s face it, any dude with fastball command and a good breaking ball is going to do very well in the Sally League. Assuming good health I would be surprised if he doesn’t make it to Frisco this year, and then we’ll see just how good the overall package is at this point.

A good question is: which 2010 draft prospect stands to make a similar impact n 2011? I have a few ideas.

by mrkupe on Oct 23, 2025 5:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Hmm

Well, as I said before the draft, I have a great feeling about Mike Olt, but he was a supplemental guy and that appears to be the common view now.

Later in the draft, I have a good feeling about Justin Grimm.

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by OremLK on Oct 23, 2025 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I was actually referring to 2010 draft prospects in general, not just the Rangers

I know a bunch of people really liked Erlin going into last year’s draft, although he did have some late helium. My post was musing on which 2010 draft prospect could have a similar experience, with preference for this post given to prep pitchers like Erlin.

But if we’re keeping it “in house”, Cody Buckel has some very striking similarities to Erlin. Luke Jackson is very enticing as well and there were more than a few teams that loved him, but he’s more of a power arm than Erlin. As for guys outside the Rangers organization, I really liked Griffin Murphy, drafted by Toronto, and he’s a lot like Erlin with a bit less command and more projection. I don’t think I’ve seen him on any of the multitude of Blue Jays top prospects list posted here, which is really odd . . .rest assured that he makes a very respectable appearance on the list that I’ve been writing up in response to a request here.

by mrkupe on Oct 23, 2025 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Most people say he has mid-rotation upside

not sure how undervalued that is. I love this guy, but I doubt his stats still look that sexy in the upper levels.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

True

But they’d have to go down pretty far to stop being impressive.

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by OremLK on Oct 23, 2025 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Right

I think he’s the kind of guy that will always have decent numbers, as opposed to a guy who is up and down while working on things.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes

He seems like the kind of guy who will always pitch above his stuff. His stuff, by itself, has a middle rotation ceiling (solid-average fastball, future above average curve and changeup)… but with his pitchability and poise on the mound, I won’t be surprised if he finally ends up being better than that.

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by OremLK on Oct 23, 2025 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Reports at the time of the draft compared him to Wandy Rodriguez

Though I guess it was mostly because of the (lack of) height and bendy stuff.

His ceiling so far looks like Magic Wandy-lite, because Wandy is pretty awesome when he’s on.

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by jonthefon on Oct 25, 2025 6:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Interesting comp

Wandy (when he’s on) might have the best left-handed curve in baseball though, which is why he can succeed as a two-pitch guy. I’m not sure Erlin’s is more than above average. On the other hand, his changeup has real potential, which could help make up for it.

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by OremLK on Oct 26, 2025 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

J. Hoying

Jared Hoying is a guy that intrigues me. Converted to OF from IF after the draft.

Not a top 5 guy or anything..but could be a sleeper type

by NYSOX on Oct 23, 2025 7:52 AM EDT reply actions

Agree

I’d like to see a collegiate pick show better plate discipline numbers in short-season ball, but still a very nice debut for a kid with good-looking tools, particularly while having his swing overhauled by the coaching staff. Not out of the question he could jump Beltre and Skole to be the system’s top OF next year.

by goldenblack on Oct 23, 2025 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh, and this system is going to the World Series.

They got so many young players coming up that might be blocked in the long run imagine the pieces they’ll be able to trade for. If the Rangers get Lee resigned, I think they look to add Greinke and KCs system will get stronger will this one will lose a few players.

However, even with something like that happening, they would still be a solid top 10 system.

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by 306008 on Oct 23, 2025 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

highly doubt

the Rangers could sign Lee and THEN get Greinke when they’re in a financial limbo.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Oct 23, 2025 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

They're not in limbo now

but if they re-sign Lee there’s no reason to try and add Greinke. The team would have an excellent rotation with Lee, Lewis, Wilson, Holland, and Hunter. How many teams have a better top 5? And the depth behind them is ok, too, Kirkman, Feldman, Beltre, Harrison.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Nolan likes Zack.

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by 306008 on Oct 23, 2025 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

If you sign Lee, there is still every reason to get Greinke. No such thing as too much pitching.

Godspeed Mike Olt.

by rooster on Oct 23, 2025 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, ok, but to get Lee and Greinke

you’re giving up $25+ million a year AND a few top prospects. I just don’t see that as smart. You get Lee, then you have other needs to fill, like catcher, OF depth, etc. Spending your bullets on yet another top pitcher might be fun but not the best course of action considering the cost.

When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream.

by t ball on Oct 23, 2025 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Pitching wins

If they get Greinke in their window extends at least two more years. They have some pieces to fill, but so does every team. You’ll get better players for cheaper because they want to be part of a contender and with ZG and CLee… Plus those other guys?

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by 306008 on Oct 23, 2025 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions