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Texas Rangers Draft Class: When to expect them in the majors

By Cody Smith

ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 16: (L-R) Bubba Thompson from McGill-Toolen High School, Chris Seise out of West Orange High School and right-handed pitcher Hans Crouse out of Dana Hills High School pose for a photo after the Texas Rangers announced the signings of several of the club's top selections in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 16, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 16: (L-R) Bubba Thompson from McGill-Toolen High School, Chris Seise out of West Orange High School and right-handed pitcher Hans Crouse out of Dana Hills High School pose for a photo after the Texas Rangers announced the signings of several of the club's top selections in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 16, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – JULY 8: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Texas Rangers reacts to a foul ball during the fifth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 8, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick 86: Justin Slaten-RHP, New Mexico

Slaten, 21, posted a 2.51 ERA across 82.1 innings in 13 starts with a 98:36 K:BB ratio. His projection would to make his debut in the 2022 season. Here’s what Rangers insider, Jared Sandler had to say about him:

Round 4, Pick 115: Cody Freeman-SS, Etiwanda HS (CA)

WOAH!!! A high school player?? Yep, the Rangers finally took a high schooler with their 4th round pick. He could make it to the majors as soon as 2024. He is good at recognizing pitches, and is the brother of Indians prospect, Tyler Freeman. He could likely sign for over slot value, thanks to the money that the Texas Rangers have likely saved from signing college players early on.

Round 5, Pick 145: Kellen Strahm-OF, San Jose St.

And back to the college guys with Strahm, 22, who hit .382 with 6 HR’s and 14 stolen bases. He was an All-Mountain West 1st Team member. He could make it up to the majors as soon as 2023.

Round 6, Pick 175: Cody Bradford-LHP, Baylor

Bradford, 22, was rated as the 165th prospect by MLB.com, and was the 2018 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, before dealing with injuries this season that sunk his draft value. In 14 games in 2018, he was 7-6 with a 2.51 ERA across 96.2 innings (14 starts), and had an 87:26 K:BB ratio. If his thoracic outlet syndrome injury is no more than a roadbump, he could see time in the majors by 2023.

Round 7, Pick 205: Brandon Sproat-RHP, Pace HS (Florida)

Likely another guy that the Texas Rangers will give over-slot money to in an attempt to keep him from going to college, the Rangers drafted him as their first high school pitcher. He throws a low-90’s fastball. His MLB projection would be 2024, if he signs.

Round 8, Pick 235: John Matthews-RHP, Kent St.

2019 was the only season that Matthews, 21, was primarily a starter at Kent St., and he started 11 of the 16 games he appeared in, and posted a 5.45 ERA in 77.2 innings, and had a 91:25 K:BB ratio. There is a chance the Rangers could move him back to the bullpen. His debut would probably happen around 2023.

Round 9, Pick 265: Zak Kent-RHP, Virginia Military Institute

Kent, 21, pitched in 97 innings, and had a 4.64 ERA with a 132:30 K:BB ratio. With the insane strikeout numbers that Kent racked up, he could very possibly be converted to the a bullpen arm, and he could be seen by Rangers fans around 2023.

Round 10, Pick 295: Joe Corbett-RHP, West Texas A&M

Corbett, 22, posted a 12-1 record and a 1.43 ERA across 92.1 innings, and he had a 136:21 K:BB ratio. That kind of command is insane, and he could become a nice rotation or bullpen piece, and a steal for a 10th round pick. He could make his MLB debut around 2023

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