Texas Rangers Draft Class: When to expect them in the majors
By Cody Smith
With the MLB Draft wrapping up on Wednesday, we can now sit down and take a look at who some of the players that the Texas Rangers drafted are, and when they can be expected to make it to the show.
The Texas Rangers took a much different approach to this years draft than the one that they had done in previous years. In 2018, the Rangers did not take their first college arm until the 6th round, when they selected Sean Chandler. Their philosophy evolved quite a bit this season.
Round 1, Pick 8: Josh Jung-3B, Texas Tech
The Rangers went out in the first round of the draft on a mission to fill a need in their farm system at third base, and they definitely made sure it happened with their first two picks. Over the past two seasons, Jung, 21, has compiled a .368 avg to go with a 70:90 K:BB ratio.
He has also hit 23 home runs over the past two seasons, and is expected to add more power later on. He was also co-Big 12 Player of the Year in 2019, and will facing off against Oklahoma St. in the Lubbock Super Regional this weekend, with a chance to go to the College World Series on the line.
From what people have been posting on social media, Jung has a chance to fly through the minors, so it would be reasonable to think that he could be playing AA ball in Frisco in 2020, and could be considered for a September call-up for that season.
More than likely, fans should expect to see him in 2021 or 2022. The deciding factor between 2021 or 2022 could depend on how far up the minor league ladder he makes it this season.
CBA, Pick 41: Davis Wendzel-3B, Baylor
In case you were wondering who Jung was co-Big 12 Player of the Year with, here’s your guy! The Texas Rangers used the pick that they picked up in the Alex Claudio trade in the off-season to draft the 22 year-old Wendzel.
This season, Wendzel hit .367 with a .484 OBP, and had a 37:31 K:BB ratio. Wendzel can play every infield position, and there are even some whispers that he could play catcher if the Rangers wanted to move him there.
Looking at his wonderful hair, great versatility, and his terrific hitting ability, Wendzel seems like he is going to be similar to Justin Turner, except with a much, much better glove. Jung will likely be the first player up from this class, but Wendzel shouldn’t be far behind at all.
He will probably be up in AA ball towards the end of 2020, or sometime in 2021, which would set his debut up for likely sometime between late 2021 through 2022. A big plus that would help him get called up a little earlier is hit great defense, and his defensive versatility.
Round 2, Pick 50: Ryan Garcia-RHP, UCLA
Garcia, 21, was the PAC-12 Pitcher of the Year, and posted a 1.36 ERA in 15 games (12 starts), and has been noted for his terrific control, and it shows with a 109:25 K:BB ratio in 86.1 innings. He is scheduled to pitch again on Friday vs. Michigan, so by the time you are reading this, there is a good chance you can check out his stats from the start! And if UCLA wins the Super Regional, he will make at least one more start in the College World Series in Omaha, NE.
Pitchers are usually hard to project, but one with command like Garcia’s should be able to go through the minor’s without much of a problem, barring any injuries. He could be expected to make his debut in Arlington around 2022 if all goes well.