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.
Naturals Hosting Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th (1-3pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Whataburger are excited to offer fans the opportunity to take Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th from 1pm until 3pm. Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark is available to 60 participants and is sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arvest Ballpark to be 'Cashless' Beginning in 2025
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – In an effort to increase overall ballpark convenience and to further streamline and enhance fan experiences throughout the ballpark, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals announced today that Arvest Ballpark will be a cashless venue beginning in 2025. This will include transactions involving food and beverage, merchandise, parking, and
MLB Announces Royals Spring Breakout Roster
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Major League Baseball has announced the projected rosters for the second-annual “Spring Breakout” Prospect Games and the Kansas City roster includes 10 former Naturals. The Royals prospects will face the Arizona Diamondbacks prospects on Friday, March 14th. As part of MLB Spring Training, the “Spring Breakout” Prospect
New March Hours Announced for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – With Opening Day approaching, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce new hours in March for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office. Starting on March 3rd, the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Box Office, both located at Arvest Ballpark, will
Promo Club Memberships on Sale for the 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Promo Club memberships are now on sale for the 2025 season. Memberships are $99 and are available to all fans. Regardless of whether you attend the games or not, Promo Club members will be guaranteed access to all
Naturals, Whataburger Team Up for Field of Dreams
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to team up with Whataburger once again this season for the Field of Dreams program at Arvest Ballpark. The Field of Dreams program presented by Whataburger is one of the most popular programs at Arvest Ballpark. Whether it is for a
First-Ever Arvest Ballpark Classic to feature Springdale Against Rogers Heritage on Tuesday, March 11th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that they will be hosting the first-ever Arvest Ballpark Classic on Tuesday, March 11th and it’ll feature a high school baseball game between the Springdale Bulldogs and the Rogers Heritage War Eagles. First pitch between the two 6A-West clubs
The Naturals and Patina Restaurant Group Hosting Second Job Fair on Wednesday, March 5th (5pm - 6:30pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting another Job Fair from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates that will help provide top-notch customer service
Initial 2025 Promotional Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce our initial promotions for the 2025 season that will continue the tradition of low-cost, family entertainment at Arvest Ballpark. More event and promotional announcements for the season will come in the very near future! The season will begin on
2025 Field Staff: Brooks Conrad New Naturals Manager
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals have announced the 2025 field staffs for their minor league affiliates, naming Brooks Conrad as the new field manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Conrad, the eighth manager in Naturals history, is joined by newcomer Chris Corbett who joins the club as the
Single Game Tickets on Sale for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that single game tickets are now on sale to the general public. Individual tickets were put on sale online today – Monday, January 13th at 10 am CST – for all 69 home games scheduled at Arvest Ballpark during
The Batting Practice Experience: Rent the Batting Cages at Arvest Ballpark in January and February
Springdale, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce the return of our Batting Cage Experience presented by Whataburger, which will be available to fans and local teams on select days in January and February beginning on Tuesday, January 14th. The cost is $95 for an hour rental,
Strike to Deliver Valentine's Day Gifts on February 14th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Strike the Sasquatch will once again be playing cupid on February 14th as you can have the Naturals' popular mascot deliver a baseball-themed gift featuring Four Home Plate Premium Tickets to Opening Day, a Parking Pass, a Chocolate
Game Day Associate Job Fair: Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark (5:15pm-7:15pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting a Game Day Associate Job Fair on Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates for the 2025 season. Interviews will begin at 5:15 p.m.
Stephen Crockett Named 2024 Head Groundskeeper of the Year in Texas League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and the Texas League, are excited to announce that Stephen Crockett has been honored with the Texas League’s Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award for the 2024 season. “We are incredibly proud to congratulate Stephen Crockett on
2024 Naturals: Year for the Record Books
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals season came to a close on September 15, the 16th season and 17th year of baseball in Springdale, Arkansas. The summer was filled with excitement, prospects, a playoff chase, numerous big league call-ups, a bounty of prospects, and fun-filled nights at Arvest
Home Game Times Announced for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce start times for all home games at Arvest Ballpark during the 2025 season beginning with Opening Night, which will start at 7:05 p.m. as the Naturals host Frisco (Double-A Texas Rangers) on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. A printable PDF
Four 2024 Naturals Headed to Arizona Fall League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Every fall Minor League Baseball’s top prospects converge on Arizona to take part in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals are well represented in this year’s AFL with four of the Royals’ nine participants having donned a Northwest Arkansas uniform this season. Catcher
Naturals in the Community: 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to continue to have a positive impact on Northwest Arkansas as over one million dollars has been raised by participating groups in the past decade through the team’s fundraising and community partners program. During the 2024 season alone, the Naturals partnered
Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs Available for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Naturals are excited to announce that Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs are now available to the public for the 2025 season of Naturals baseball. Fans can now renew their current ticket pack or become a ticket holder prior to the start of
2025 Regular Season Home Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark – Major League Baseball today announced the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 2025 regular season home schedule. All game times will be announced at a later date. Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th at Arvest Ballpark against the Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers). For the first time since the
Three Naturals Recognized by Royals for 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals honored their 2024 Minor League Organizational Award winners Friday night at Kauffman Stadium, with three of the six winners donning Naturals uniforms in 2024. RHP Steven Zobac (Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year), Javier Vaz (Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award), and UTL Tyler
Naturals Hold Off Travs Charge in 7-6 Win Friday
SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS -- Josh Lester's three-run homer in the first got the Naturals off on the right foot Friday night, and despite a late charge by the Arkansas Travelers (42-25, 78-57) the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (31-35, 66-69) held on for a 7-6 win at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals and Travelers
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: September 10th - September 15th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will host their in-state rivals, the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners), in a six-game series at Arvest Ballpark to conclude the regular season. The final homestand features daily food and drink specials as Buck-A-Brat, Dollar Hot Dogs, and Thirsty Thursday™ highlight the first three
Naturals Rally From Behind, Beat Riders 9-4
Friday night Northwest Arkansas took the field under their Copa identity, Los Naturales del Noroeste De Arkansas. The team wore special jerseys and hats to celebrate the Latin heritage in the community of Springdale and the entire Northwest Arkansas region. Heading into Friday's game, the Naturals had lost their last