The Rangers have one player in the MLB top 100, outfielder Leody Taveras. Taveras plays for the Hickory Crawdads, the Rangers A affiliate. Here is what MLB has to say about Taveras:
A cousin of former big leaguer Willy Taveras, Leody was one of the best athletes available on the 2015-16 international market. After signing for $2.1 million out of the Dominican Republic, he had an impressive pro debut in 2016.
He hit .385 in a short stint in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Arizona and short-season Northwest leagues, and established himself as the top position prospect in the Rangers system.
Taveras is a legitimate five-tool center fielder. A switch-hitter with a good stroke from both sides of the plate, he understands the strike zone and already shows a feel for recognizing pitches. He has bat speed and makes consistent hard contact, so he could develop into a high average/high OBP player with average power once he fills out.
Taveras’ plus speed makes him a basestealing threat, though he’s still learning the nuances of that art. He’s already a fine center fielder who makes good reads and easily chases down balls in the gaps. With his solid throwing arm, he’s capable of playing anywhere in the outfield. (MLB.com)
He is expected in the major leagues somewhere around 2020.
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