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Looking back, the Texas Rangers are the last team not named the Los Angeles Dodgers to win a World Series. However, they have failed to even make it back to the postseason after their great run in 2023.
Despite that, they have come out with the right foot forward this season, stringing together wins. They hold a 47-46 record, holding onto the top spot in the American League West with the Seattle Mariners right on their heels.
So while the Rangers look to keep the lead in the division, the front office is preparing for the upcoming MLB Draft, where the team will be selecting 16th overall in the first round.
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Building around the ballpark is the Rangers' best draft move
Over the last three drafts, the Rangers have felt comfortable taking position players. They drafted University of Florida OF Wyatt Langford in 2023, Stanford University catcher Malcolm Moore in 2024, and California prep shortstop Gavin Fien last year.
Those picks, like Wyatt Langford, have worked out, but it may be time for the team to add a pitcher with its first-round selection. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer suggests they take a similar approach to what the Mariners have been doing.
"The Rangers are in a tricky spot. The No. 16 pick isn't that high, and they also have a modest bonus pool and only two other picks in the top 100 at No. 54 and No. 89. It'll be tough for Chris Young to hack the draft, as it were. But if the Rangers make like the Mariners and go after college arms, it wouldn't be the worst idea. The M's have used pitching to embrace the advantages of T-Mobile Park, and Globe Life Field is barely a step up in terms of hitter-friendliness."
One name that sticks out here is Liam Peterson. The University of Florida pitcher had an up-and-down season, which has hurt his draft stock, but he still has the makings to be a frontline starter at the next level.
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