Texas Rangers: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Rangers' Farm System

The Texas Rangers are in the midst of the greatest stretch in franchise history. The big league team has made two consecutive World Series appearances and they figure to be in the thick of things again this year. 

Without a doubt, the biggest reason for this franchise's surge in recent years has been its ability to build its prospects into quality big league players. 

This team is set for the next decade with a good nucleus of talent in Arlington already. It doesn't hurt that, despite all their recent graduations, they still boast one of the best and deepest farm systems in all of baseball. 

As great as things are right now for the Rangers, here are the top five prospects who will help this franchise conquer the World Series' demons that have plagued them the last two years. 

1. Jurickson Profar, SS, 18

No shortstop in baseball can boast the tools that Profar can to go along with the upside that he has. Despite being just 18 years old, he has an advanced feel for the game and has room to get better. He may not need as much time in the minors as most players his age.

Strengths: Profar has an easy, balanced swing that allows him to make contact and above-average power. He is not a burner on the bases, but does have enough speed to steal bases in the big leagues. His instincts, range, hands and throwing arm make him a great defender at shortstop. 

Weaknesses: He is still growing into his body and could eventually move off shortstop because he is too big. He will have value as a third baseman, but an up-the-middle five-tool player is one of the rarest commodities in baseball. 

Report: The sky truly is the limit for Profar. He already has a great approach at the plate, understands how to read pitchers and his beautiful swing will allow him to hit .300 and hit 20 homers. I think he should stay at shortstop, in which case he will a superstar that battles it out for MVP awards in his peak. 

ETA: 2014

2. Martin Perez, LHP, 20

The Rangers have been aggressive in promoting Perez through the minors, but his performance has made it impossible for the team to hold him down. Even when he has struggled, he never seems to be overwhelmed by the stage he is on. 

Strengths: Perez has a power arsenal from the left side, with a low- to mid-90s fastball and a fading changeup that will miss bats. He is still learning how to effectively use his curveball, but it is starting to look like a solid pitch for him. His delivery is incredibly smooth and he drives the ball using his lower half. 

Weaknesses: Despite having dominant stuff, Perez has never had great results in the minors. He is just 20 years old, pitching in Triple-A last season, and has been one of the youngest players in every league he has gone through. His command and control have yet to show up for him on the field. 

Report: Depending on what happens with his command and control, Perez could end up as a No. 1 or No. 2 starter. He will still be one of the youngest players in Triple-A this season, so there is no reason to be overly concerned about him reaching that ceiling.

ETA: 2013

3. Mike Olt, 3B, 23

Olt has really emerged as one of the best third base prospects in baseball. He has a great all-around game and projects to be an impact player in the big leagues. Considering Adrian Beltre's history with injuries, he could make his debut sooner than expected. 

Strengths: He has a good swing that generates a lot of power. He uses his lower half and bat speed to drive the ball out of the park. While he does not have the most athletic body, he is a strong defender at third base with great instincts, soft hands and a strong arm.

Weaknesses: His power and approach at the plate are outstanding, but he does not make as much contact as you would think. He has struck out 152 times in 517 at-bats since his debut in 2010. He does not have much speed and will add nothing on the bases. 

Report: Olt is going to hit for a lot of power, draw a lot of walks and play above-average defense at third base. If he can make contact more consistently, there is no reason to think he can't be a star in the big leagues. 

ETA: 2013

4. Neil Ramirez, RHP, 22

Just when you think that you have seen Ramirez top out as a pitcher, he goes and makes some adjustments that keep his stock rising. He does not have the elite stuff or upside that Perez does, but he doesn't appear to be that far behind. 

Strengths: The Rangers have found a lot of power arms through the draft and international free agent market in recent years—and Ramirez certainly fits that bill. He has a mid-90s fastball and a big curveball, both of which will be swing and miss pitches. He has worked on cleaning up his delivery, which has helped him improve his arm action and control over the last year.

Weaknesses: He still doesn't have much command and his control is spotty. His improved mechanics make his future look a lot brighter, but he is still figuring out his release point. Unless he cuts down his walks--44 in 98 innings last year--he will end up as a reliever. 

Report: Ramirez has the upside of a No. 2 starter. He has some mechanical issues to work through, but his improved delivery last year provides hope for the future. He could end up pitching in Texas before the end of the year. 

ETA: 2013

5. Cody Buckel, RHP, 19

The Rangers are one of the few teams that have great balance in their farm system. Their mix of hitting and pitching is what makes them so dangerous in the future. Buckel is easily the third-best pitcher in the system, but he has a better chance than Perez and Ramirez of reaching his potential. 

Strengths: Buckel has a great feel for pitching and understanding of how to attack hitters. His fastball won't blow you away, since it sits in the high-80s and low-90s, but he can throw it anywhere and backs it up with a dominant changeup. 

Weaknesses: There is a lot of effort and movement in his delivery. He has not had any injuries thus far, but it is something to keep an eye on. His curveball is big and slow, but if he can get a better feel for it, then he can at least show it to hitters without fear of it getting crushed. 

Report: Buckel's average velocity, effort in his delivery and lack of a quality breaking ball limit his ceiling. He has the potential to be a No. 3 starter with a few years of development ahead of him before getting to Texas. 

ETA: 2015

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