Unless you live under a rock, you know that the Texas Rangers are firing on all cylinders through the first 36 games of the season. The first-place squad from the Lone Star State currently holds a 22-14 record which is good for 3rd best in the American League.
It’s not just the big league club that is having success. According to MLB.com, the Rangers have 5 of the Top 100 Prospects in all of baseball and the 7th best team farm system in the MLB.
Since the Minor League season has been rolling on for just about a month, it’s time we take a look at some of the player’s starts. Here’s who’s hot and who’s not in the Rangers’ farm system
Who’s Hot?
Cody Bradford AAA – The Rangers prospect who has had the best start to his season is without a doubt AAA lefty Cody Bradford. The DFW native is 5-1 with a 0.91 ERA in 7 games, those are like video game numbers.
In his most recent start this week against the OKC Dodgers, Bradford threw 6 scoreless innings, giving up just 4 hits and striking out 7. Overall, the Express are 5-2 in games that Bradford has started.
At the big league level, Rangers’ pitching has been very successful to start this season. However, if they need to look toward the minors to find a starter, there is no doubt that Bradford would get the first crack.
Evan Carter AA – Coming into the season, high expectations for Evan Carter were rightly placed upon a player who had been rapidly climbing up every top prospect board out there. The Rangers’ #1 prospect has had an electric start to his 3rd minor league season.
This season with AA Frisco Carter is hitting .286 with 4 home runs and 20 RBI. At times this season, Carter has been seemingly unstoppable.
It’s important to realize that the Tennessee native is only 20 years old. However, he is undoubtedly the Rangers center fielder of the future and his time is coming soon.
Luisangel Acuna AA – Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr has often said that his little brother Luisangel is better than him at baseball. Good news for Rangers fans, little brother is killing it with AA Frisco this season.
In 128 ABs, Acuna is batting .313 with 2 homers and 22 RBI. Acuna just turned 21 on Monday but already is solidifying himself as a top prospect in all of baseball.
With Corey Seager and Marcus Semien manning the middle infield for at least the next six seasons, it’s unclear exactly where Acuna fits in but if he keeps playing like he is, there will certainly be a place made for Acuna on a big-league roster, whether that’s the Texas Rangers or not remains in question.
Who’s Not
Cole Winn AAA – Coming into last season, Cole Winn was expected to be the next big Rangers prospect. However, last season was thoroughly disappointing and this season is not much different.
This season, Winn is 1-3 with a 7.53 ERA in 7 games with the Express this year. If the season continues how it started, Winn’s future in the organization could be in question.
Before last season, people thought there was a possibility that Winn could be with the big club at mid-season. Fast forward to the beginning of 2023 and things are looking quite like the opposite.
Davis Wendzel AAA – To me, Davis Wendzel is somewhat of a mystery prospect. He has not really performed but he also does not really fit anywhere will the current makeup of the Rangers organization.
In 97 ABs with AAA Round Rock this season, Wendzel is hitting just .206 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI. Wendzel is another prospect whose days in the organization could be numbered.
