We were going to do the prospects list one at a time, but the winter just got away from us. I want to get my top 20 in before the season begins.
20. Zak Kent
Kent was put on the 40 man for a reason. He had a rough start to 2022 but finished strong after appearing several times on the Ranger Report Podcast.
He made 24 total starts in 2022 between Frisco (19) and Round Rock (5). With a combined ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.304 plus averaging a strike out per inning, Kent is on the rise.
Likely a bullpen arm, Kent has the stuff to start and is untouchable when he is really on.
19. Jonathan Ornelas
Ornelas had a slash line of .299/.360/.425/.785 with 14 homers and 64 RBI he was a major contributor to the Riders championship run.
Only 22 years old, he has not reached his full potential yet and the Rangers are really happy with his progress.
18. Yeison Morrobel
The 19-year-old is expected to play his first full season in 2023. He has the tools but needs more power. The Dominican born Morrobel played in the Arizona Complex League and at Down East in 2022.
With and OPS of .891 in Arizona and an OPS of .580 at Down East, he had a decent season overall. He only had 29 plate appearances for the Wood Ducks. He is a prospect on the rise.
17. Ricky Vanasco
Vanasco could probably be higher on my list. Ricky had a really good 2022 making 21 starts at Hickory and 2 starts at Frisco.
He averaged 11.8 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched in Hickory, while that number went down to 7.9 in his short stint at Frisco.
I expect he will start at Frisco this season and have most of a season there. I expect his strikeout rate to go up and his ERA to go down.
16. Antonie Kelly
Kelly has a ton of upside but not a lot of control. The 23-year-old left hander has a power arm which is desirable for any organization.
Coming over from Milwaukee during the season, Kelly had an ERA of 7.23 with Frisco. He did however strikeout 11.9 batters per 9 innings pitched. He should be moving in the right direction.
15. Maximo Acosta
The Rangers are high on Acosta. His game is predicated on speed.
Like Bubba Thompson, Acosta is a constant threat on the base paths. He had an OPS of .723 for Down East in 2022.
Acosta had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last August that derailed the remainder of his season. Acosta should have a good 2023. He could rise or fall depending on the prospects around him.
