Texas has an abundant bat population.

Now that Major League Baseball’s summer has begun, thoughts are turning to the future for everyone. That indicates the upcoming season in most cities; for others, however, it refers to the longer term, the next three to five years. As they say, you’re either selling victories or you’re selling hope. This time of year, we at THEDAILY try to give as much hope as we can by analysing the farm systems of each team.

Naturally, not every team has a farm system that is equally effective; as you will discover throughout this process, some teams fall short in that regard. However, it does indicate that THEDAILY will be analysing the top three prospects in each organisation over the course of the next few months. Since we define “prospects” as those who will still be eligible to play as rookies in 2024, it is likely the case that a young player is absent.

After discussions with scouts, analysts, and player development specialists, these lists and assessments are created. Firsthand assessment and prejudice are also included. Remember that evaluating players is a difficult undertaking, and you are free to disagree with the rankings. These are just opinions, and the future is not really affected by them. Click here to view our list of the top 25 for winter.

Let’s get started by breaking down the Texas Rangers in light of that.

1. Evan Carter, CF (21 years old)

  • Top-25 ranking: No. 3
  • The short version: Uber-disciplined outfielder with feel for barrel.
  • MLB ETA: Debuted in 2023

When the Rangers selected Carter in the second round of the 2020 draft, he was a relative unknown because he had not participated in many showcase circuit events as an amateur. When local scouts who had seen him that spring began to spread The Word, the initial criticism quickly gave way to mea culpas. It was during the postseason when Carter made his national debut to the globe. He has a great feel for making firm contact and a grasp of the strike zone, though he could stand to be more aggressive. He can play all three outfield positions and is a quick runner. Regarding his game, the primary unanswered question is his potential for power. He will continue to be a vital member of the Rangers lineup for many years to come, regardless of the outcome.

2. Wyatt Langford, OF (22 years old)

  • Top-25 ranking: No. 4
  • The short version: The No. 4 pick is already knocking on MLB’s door.
  • MLB ETA: Spring 2024

noted that Langford would have been a good No. 1 choice in most years and placed him as the second player in the draft class last summer. How his big-league career turns out remains to be seen, but in 44 minor-league games, he did everything he could to justify our faith in him. Ten home runs, twelve stolen bases, and two more walks than strikeouts were all part of Langford’s.360/.480/.677 line over four levels, including a five-game stint in Triple-A. Despite his unconventional swing mechanics—he steps in the bucket and hardly loads his hands—scouts have felt comfortable assigning him good offensive forecasts before to his professional at-bat. Langford has stealthy speed as well, and it was once believed he could start in centre field for the major league team. It’s unlikely that he’ll get that shot with the Rangers, but he might get an opportunity to make the squad after training camp.

3. Sebastian Walcott, SS (18 years old)

  • The short version: Dream upon a future power-hitting third baseman.
  • MLB ETA: Summer 2027

After spending over $3 million to join the Rangers in January, Walcott won’t be able to legally purchase alcohol until March 2027. (We’ll give you a minute to calm down if you’re having existential anxiety.) He already has a commanding presence, and his swing suggests that he will eventually acquire power far above average. Because he gains strength and loses speed, Walcott appears certain to outgrow the shortstop position defensively. Since the future is uncertain, we shall see. This should provide a moonshot of a middle-of-the-order thumper with strong third-base defence.