Texas Rangers Draft: Assessing potential and timelines for each pick
By Cody Smith
Texas Rangers Draft Pick 5
145th overall: Thomas Saggese
SS, Carlsbad HS (CA)
The Texas Rangers had to close the draft out with yet another high school player, making Saggese their fourth consecutive draft pick out of high school to close things out, after taking a college player in the first round.
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Saggese is a righty hitter that currently has a commitment to Pepperdine, but the Texas Rangers will likely be able to sign him for above slot value, assuming they can sign their first two picks for below slot (which they should be able to do).
He is considered to have a good hit tool, a solid approach at the plate, and the ability to make hard contact on the ball. He is also expected to have above average defensive tools and speed.
In just seven games before COVID-19 shut down the 2020 season, Saggese was hitting .440 with three home runs. In the season before, he hit .422 with ten home runs.
Overall, it seems like Saggese is going to be the hardest player for the Texas Rangers to sign, as he seems like he would like to attend college. The Rangers should be able to get him by signing their first two picks for under-slot value, but he may be the most interesting negotiation to watch among the draft class for the team.
Debut Projection: 2026
Like his other high school counterparts, he likely won’t see the majors until 2026, because of COVID-19, and taking time to polish his game for the MLB level. He may not be able to stay at SS, but he should be a solid infielder, and potentially become a good hitter for the Texas Rangers.