Texas' exciting crop of pitching prospects looks to spin the narrative
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers haven't signed a fully homegrown pitching All-Star since Martín Pérez in 2007 and have ranked better than the Major League average in run prevention just once in the last 11 seasons. Not coincidentally, they won 90 games and the World Series when that happened in
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers haven't signed a fully homegrown pitching All-Star since Martín Pérez in 2007 and have ranked better than the Major League average in run prevention just once in the last 11 seasons. Not coincidentally, they won 90 games and the World Series when that happened in 2023.
But the outlook is bright for Texas pitching prospects these days. Jack Leiter (No. 3) and Kumar Rocker (No. 2/MLB No. 44), top-three-overall picks in the 2021 and 2022 Drafts, made their big league debuts last year. Winston Santos (No. 5) and Emiliano Teodo (No. 6), signed for $10,000 each out of the Dominican Republic in the same 2019-20 international class, successfully navigated Double-A and should arrive in Arlington in the near future, as should reliever Marc Church (No. 23), an 18th-round pick in '19.
Alejandro Rosario (No. 7), a fifth-rounder in 2023, dominated two Class A levels last year and some scouts believed he was the best mound prospect in the system before his elbow blew out last month and required Tommy John surgery. Strike throwers Mitch Bratt (No. 21) and Josh Stephan (No. 22) continued to thrive, while Paul Bonzagni (No. 24), Kolton Curtis (No. 29) and David Davalillo (No. 30) emerged at the lower levels last summer. Stephan and Curtis were non-drafted free agents, while Bonzagni was a 12th-rounder and Davalillo signed for $10,000 out of Venezeula.
"We're not all the way there yet but the narrative has been that we haven't been good at developing pitching," GM Ross Fenstermaker said. "Now we're having success and it's not just the pitchers we took up at the top of the Draft with Rocker and Leiter. It's also Rosario, [Jose] Corniell, Teodo, Santos, Church and more.
"It's scouting and player development working together, our medical and performance teams, the way we train our coaches to work with pitchers. We're doing things in a very different way than we did five or six years ago. It was very uncomfortable at first but now we're starting to see the fruits of our labor."
Rocker, who had shoulder surgery before joining the Rangers and Tommy John surgery shortly afterward, regained his wipeout mid-80s slider with two-plane depth last year while working at 96-97 mph and touching 100 with his fastball. Return to health keyed his success, while his former Vanderbilt teammate Leiter had to make adjustments after his mechanics, stuff and control all regressed during his first two years in pro ball.
Leiter won Triple-A Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year honors in 2024 after doing a better job of maintaining the timing with his delivery and providing more and higher quality strikes. He also works in the mid-90s and reaches triple digits with his fastball, while his upper-80s slider is the best of his four secondary offerings. He has added a promising kick-changeup in the low 90s that has the Rangers excited.
Leiter did get knocked around for an 8.83 ERA in five starts with Texas last year, underscoring his need to further improve his control and command.
"Jack has gone through a lot of adversity as pro and handled it well," farm director Josh Bonifay said. "He's outstanding with his fastball when he locates it at the top of the zone. He has outstanding breaking stuff, too. When he locates in the zone, he's very good."
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Santos parlayed some mechanical adjustments into improved fastball velocity, operating in the mid-90s and hitting 98 mph while tightening his mid-80s slider into a consistent plus pitch. Teodo has the best stuff in the system -- a 97-99 mph sinker that climbs to 102, an upper-80s slider that breaks straight down and a lively upper-80s changeup -- though evaluators are split on whether he'll wind up as a starter or reliever. Church is purely a bullpen option, albeit one with a mid-90s fastball, devastating mid-80s slider and a nasty 89-93 mph splitter that he unveiled in the Arizona Fall League last year.
"We're very excited about our pitching depth," Bonifay said. "But any time that you think that you have enough pitching, you don't. So we need to continue to work on developing pitchers."
Camp standout: Sebastian Walcott
Signed for $3.2 million out of the Bahamas in 2023, Walcott (No. 1/MLB No. 17) is one of the best and most exciting prospects in the Minors. The shortstop's raw power and arm strength both grade as at least plus-plus, and he batted .261/.342/.443 in High-A last year, leading the South Atlantic League in triples (nine), extra-base hits (50) and total bases (192) as its youngest regular (age 18).
Walcott won't turn 19 until Friday but impressed manager Bruce Bochy and his staff with his performance in big league camp. He went 4-for-9 with three doubles and a home run, soaked up plenty of advice from veteran Marcus Semien and looked like he belonged despite his youth.
"He acquitted himself quite well in this environment," Fenstermaker said. "Just watching him jog on the field the other day, he looked like a Major League player right now. The way he moved, his size, his physicality -- he carries himself very well.
"He's very, very mature. He's always been like that. He was raised so well. He has an element of polish you typically don't see at 18 or 19 years old."
Spring Breakout sleeper: David Davalillo
Davalillo comes from a baseball family, with a grandfather (Pompeyo) and great-uncle (Vic) who played in the Majors, a father (David) who reached Double-A and a younger brother (Gabriel) who signed with the Angels for $2 million in January. He's not very physical and he doesn't light up radar guns but he did lead the Minors with a 1.88 ERA between two Class A stops in 2024.
Davalillo's main weapon is a low-80s splitter that generated a 58 percent swing-and-miss rate last year. It's his lone pitch that grades as better than average, though the right-hander helps his cause by throwing strikes with five offerings, commanding his two- and four-seam fastballs well and sequencing his pitches masterfully.
"David has had a fantastic camp," Bonifay said. "His work ethic is so good. He committed to staying here in the offseason, working on his body, working on his arsenal, working on his strength. That splitter is filthy and I love the way he goes about his business. He has confidence on the mound."
Breakout potential: Pablo Guerrero
The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and the younger brother of All-Star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Pablo signed for $97,500 out of the Dominican Republic in 2023. He slashed .260/.343/.417 in his first two pro seasons and struggled after he moved to Single-A the day before he turned 18 last July. He spent the offseason improving his 6-foot-2 frame, leading to increased strength, exit velocities and athleticism.
"He's very physically strong," Bonifay said. "He changed his body and is hitting the ball extremely hard. He has discipline at the plate and when he makes impact, it's loud. He's turned himself into a good defensive first baseman and he's a leader in the clubhouse despite his age. He knows what it takes."
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB and @jimcallis.bsky.social. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Buzzing with Excitement for GreenJackets Season: Single Game Tickets, Daily Promos & BuzzFest
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com Buzzing with Excitement for GreenJackets Season Single Game Tickets, Daily Promos & BuzzFest NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets, the Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, are excited to announce single game tickets will go on sale Saturday, March 15th at
GreenJackets Announce Promotional Schedule for 2025 season
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com GreenJackets Announce Promotional Schedule for 2025 season 13 Firework Shows, 11 Giveaways Highlight 2025 Home Slate NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets, the Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, are excited to announce the promotional schedule for the upcoming 66 home
GreenJackets Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com GreenJackets Announce 2025 Coaching Staff Wynston Sawyer Returns for Second Year at the Helm at SRP Park NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, are thrilled to announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 season.
SRP Park to host 4th Annual HBCU Baseball Classic on March 23rd
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com SRP Park to host 4th Annual HBCU Baseball Classic on March 23rd Paine College & Morris College Doubleheader will follow a CSRA High School Home Run Derby NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: SRP Park, in partnership with Murphy Auto Group and Paine College
Catch USC Aiken Pacers take on Augusta University Jaguars at SRP Park
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com Battle For the Paddle Returns March 26th Catch USC Aiken Pacers take on Augusta University Jaguars at SRP Park NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: SRP Park, in partnership with the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers and the Augusta University Jaguars are excited
Georgia Southern Takes on Clemson Baseball April 1st
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com Georgia Southern Takes on Clemson Baseball April 1st College Baseball RETURNS to SRP Park with Tickets On-Sale Friday, February 14nth NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: SRP Park, in partnership with the Clemson Baseball (Atlantic Coast Conference) and Georgia Southern University (Sun Belt Conference),
GreenJackets Game Day Job Fair on March 1st
Media Advisory GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com GreenJackets Game Day Job Fair on March 1st Unique Summer Job Opportunities for 2025 Season NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: SRP Park, the Augusta GreenJackets, and Oak View Group are hosting a Gameday Job Fair in preparation for the 2025 season and other SRP
SRP Park High School Baseball Showcase Back with TaxSlayer
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com SRP Park High School Baseball Showcase Back with TaxSlayer Local Talent showcased for Six games in 2025 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets are excited to continue its partnership with TaxSlayer to host the SRP Park High School Baseball Showcase this
Tis’ the Season for Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com Tis’ the Season for Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar Get into the Holiday Spirit December 14th at SRP Park NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, are excited to continue Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar for the 11th year
CSRA Strong T-Shirt & Can Drive Fundraiser
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com CSRA Strong T-Shirt & Can Drive Fundraiser Continuing Hurricane Relief Efforts in the Community NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets are excited to announce additional community initiatives in the wake of Hurricane Helene. SRP Park has been added to the roster
6th Annual CSRA Walk for Water set for November 9th
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com 6th Annual CSRA Walk for Water set for November 9th Register for free! Donate $25 to receive an exclusive Walk t-shirt. A $50 donation supplies safe water for one person NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – After careful consideration, and in consultation with
Hurricane Relief Supply DRIVE-THRU at SRP Park
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com Hurricane Relief Supply DRIVE-THRU at SRP Park Anyone in CSRA invited to come from 10-1 to get supplies NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets are excited to announce a Hurricane Relief Supply Drive-Thru at SRP Park on Saturday, October 12th
The Friendly Ghost plays at SRP Park
For Immediate Release GreenJackets Media Contact: (803) 349-9467 media@greenjacketsbaseball.com The Friendly Ghost plays at SRP Park Halloween Fan-Favorite “Casper” Movie Night NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets and SRP Park, are excited to announce the Dugout Theater Movie Experience featuring Universal Pictures Casper (1995) on Thursday, October 24th. Kick off
GreenJackets Close Out Season, Stadium with Sunday Victory
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com GreenJackets Close Out Season, Stadium with Sunday Victory Down East Held Quiet in Final Game at Grainger Stadium KINSTON, NC: The GreenJackets bid goodbye to the 2024 slate by winning each of their final three games, taking Sunday’s contest
Jackets Exorcise Demons in Extra Inning Win
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Jackets Exorcise Demons in Extra Inning Win Third Ten-Inning Game of Series Bounces Augusta’s Way KINSTON, NC: Willmer De La Cruz put Augusta in front with an RBI single in the top of the 10th, then made a phenomenal
Hackman, Shoemaker Combine to Shut Out Wood Ducks
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Hackman, Shoemaker Combine to Shut Out Wood Ducks Pitching Tandem Allows One Hit in Nine Scoreless Frames for First Win of Week KINSTON, NC: Owen Hackman dazzled through six innings and was picked up by Adam Shoemaker, as the
Seesaw Affair Ends With GreenJacket Collapse in Tenth
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Seesaw Affair Ends With GreenJacket Collapse in Tenth Augusta Scores Three, Cedes Four to Fall in Extras KINSTON, NC: For the second night in a row, the Down East Wood Ducks won on a tenth-inning walk-off, this time scoring
Wood Ducks Complete Comeback in Ten Inning Win Over Augusta
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Wood Ducks Complete Comeback in Ten Inning Win Over Augusta Down East Scores Four Unanswered to Overtake GreenJackets KINSTON, NC: An early bout of offensive success quickly turned into a quiet evening as the GreenJackets were held hitless in
Jackets Fall in Low-Scoring Clash to Open Final Series
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Jackets Fall in Low-Scoring Clash to Open Final Series Pitchers Hold Firm on Both Sides as Wood Ducks Steal 2-1 Win KINSTON, NC: The GreenJacket offense mustered just three hits in nine innings, and even a career-best start from
De La Cruz Ends Home Slate with Walk-Off Victory
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com De La Cruz Ends Home Slate with Walk-Off Victory Jackets Complete Comeback to Secure Series Win in Final Game at SRP Park NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: A ballgame that was scoreless through six saw the GreenJackets cross home in each
Quiet Offense Spoils Caminiti’s Debut in 5-2 Loss
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Quiet Offense Spoils Caminiti’s Debut in 5-2 Loss First Round Pick Looks Strong but Takes Loss in First Pro Start NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: Braves first-rounder and top prospect Cam Caminiti looked incredibly strong in his pro debut, but allowed
Owen’s Late Blast Powers Jackets Past Fireflies
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Owen’s Late Blast Powers Jackets Past Fireflies Augusta Scores Five Unanswered in Fiery Comeback Win NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: Firefly reliever Mason Miller made just one true mistake in his 2.1 innings, but a hanging changeup to Harry Owen was
Pitching Dominates in 2-1 Win Over Fireflies
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Pitching Dominates in 2-1 Win Over Fireflies Hernandez’s Immaculate Debut Sets the Tone in Low-Scoring Duel NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: Herick Hernandez left folks stunned with a perfect debut in his first professional game, and the offense took advantage of
Fireflies Take Pitchers’ Duel Over GreenJackets 3-0
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com Fireflies Take Pitchers’ Duel Over GreenJackets 3-0 Dueling Shutouts End in Ninth as Columbia Takes Late Lead NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: Neither offense could muster a run through the first eight innings of the game, but the Fireflies posted a
GreenJackets Split Twin Bill with Fireflies
For Immediate Release: GreenJackets Media Contact: Noah Adcock-Howeth (803) 349-9411 noah@greenjacketsbaseball.com GreenJackets Split Twin Bill with Fireflies Jackets Complete Win in Suspended Game, Fall in Nightcap to Open Series NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The GreenJackets won handedly in the opener of the day, but came up just short in the finale