The majority of the top prospects at each position for the Texas Rangers won’t likely make their way up to the MLB until at least 2015.
One prospect who has a chance of making the Opening Day roster, per B/R’s MLB prospects lead writer Mike Rosenbaum in his January article, is Michael Choice. Choice could see himself as a platoon player at the designated hitter spot and in the outfield.
With the injury to Derek Holland, a prospect like first-round pick Alex Gonzalez could find his way to an extended roster spot on the MLB, which would negate his prospect status for 2015. Gonzalez, however, doesn’t have history on his side when it comes to making the majors less than one year after getting drafted.
According to Matt Stamp’s April 2010 article at Examiner.com, Darren Dreifort of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994 was the last player to skip the minor leagues prior to Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake doing it in 2010.
One player that will be considered a prospect in 2015 is catcher Jorge Alfaro. Alfaro is the Rangers’ No. 1 overall prospect and should start the season in Class A.
According to Bernie Pleskoff of MLB.com, Alfaro is an “elite catching prospect.” With that being said, he should most likely end the 2014 season in Class AA or even Class AAA, but with Geovany Soto and J.P. Arencibia in Arlington as catchers, Alfaro won’t make it further.
Here’s a look at all the Rangers’ top prospects who will be the best at each position in 2015.
Information was gathered from the team’s affiliated site MLBPipeline.com/Rangers. All ETAs projected by 2013 Prospect Watch.