Texas Rangers Draft: Assessing potential and timelines for each pick
By Cody Smith
Texas Rangers Draft Pick 4
115th overall: Dylan MacLean
LHP, Central Catholic HS (OR)
The Texas Rangers decided to double dip with a high school pitcher, this time taking a lefty out of Oregon. MacLean, who does not turn 18 until July, has an extremely high ceiling, and is viewed as an extremely projectable pitcher by those that scouted him.
MacLean currently has three pitches that are graded as average-his fastball, changeup, and curveball. He also has average control.
He is considered to have a great feel for pitching, and has great command of his fastball across the zone. He is not quite a flame thrower, but as he continues to add muscle and develop, he should raise his velocity up from the upper 80’s that he is typically at for his fastball.
MacLean is currently committed to Washington for baseball, but with the first two picks that the Texas Rangers made, they should be able to sign him for above slot value in order to keep him in the organization for the foreseeable future.
Debut Projection: 2026
Similar to the other high school arm drafted by the Rangers, MacLean likely will need a few years of seasoning in the minors to develop his body and pitches to the MLB level, so it will probably take him a few years before he is actually ready. The plus side is that he has a really high ceiling, and should be able to have at least three good pitches that will hopefully carry him to the majors.