
Kumar Rocker, RHP
The college phenom was selected as the third overall pick in the 2022 draft. He made his professional debut in 2023; however, it was short-lived as he suffered an injury after just six starts and required Tommy John surgery. He returned to the mound in the summer of 2024 and quickly regained his previous form. He dominated the minor leagues with outstanding performances over seven starts, and on September 12, he made his major league debut against the Seattle Mariners.
His debut was sensational. After allowing two hits to the first two batters he faced, he struck out seven, giving up only three hits in four innings while allowing one earned run. It was a mature and composed performance, showcasing a filthy slider. This should excite the Rangers about his future prospects.
Rocker’s four-seam fastball ranges between 96 and 97 mph, and he commands it well. His slider is his best pitch and ranks among the elite in the majors, boasting a 40.6% swinging strike rate in the minors. It’s truly a thing of beauty. He also throws a changeup and a sinker, though he didn’t utilize them much in the majors. To maximize his effectiveness, he will need to develop a solid changeup to complement his fastball and slider combination; otherwise, hitters may choose to lay off the slider and anticipate the fastball.
I’m eager to see what Rocker can accomplish this season, as he has the potential to become a top-of-the-rotation pitcher in the future.
Alejandro Rosario, RHP
Rosario was an underwhelming player in college, posting a disappointing 6.47 ERA. However, the Texas Rangers saw potential in him and drafted him in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. They made adjustments to his pitch mix and overall approach, and the results were immediate. In 2024, Rosario had an outstanding season, finishing with a remarkable 33.1 K-BB%—the best in the minors. He consistently threw strikes throughout the season, demonstrating exceptional control.
It’s anticipated that Rosario will advance one or two levels in the minors in 2025. It will be intriguing to see how he performs at the next level. With his improved technique and elite control, he has the potential to become a star for the Rangers in the future.
Emiliano Teodo, RHP
Teodo was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2020. He initially began his career as a reliever, but something changed when he switched from a four-seam fastball to a two-seam fastball. This adjustment led to his dominance on the mound. His fastball typically sits around 98 mph and reaches triple digits. Additionally, his power slider has seen significant improvement and has become a formidable weapon in his arsenal.
Teodo reached Double-A last season, and we expect him to begin this season in Triple-A. He is on the verge of making his MLB debut. I envision him as a power reliever in the late innings, but he also has the potential to develop into a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.
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