Texas Rangers’ 2021 MLB Draft Class Faces Challenges
Five years have passed since the Texas Rangers made their selections in the 2021 MLB Draft, and while first-round pick Jack Leiter has emerged as a promising talent, the rest of the class has struggled to make a significant impact. The Rangers signed 18 of the 20 players they picked that July, with selections largely divided between college and high school athletes.
Jack Leiter’s Promising Start
Leiter concluded his first full season in the majors on a solid note. He posted a 10-10 record with a 3.86 ERA, making 29 starts while striking out 148 batters and issuing 67 walks across 151.2 innings. His performance earned him recognition, finishing seventh in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, and he appears to be on a path toward becoming the team’s ace.
A Closer Look at the Draft Class
Despite Leiter’s success, the rest of the Rangers’ 2021 draft class has yet to deliver comparable results. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining 17 selections from that draft.
Second Round: Aaron Zavala
The outfielder from Oregon has been in the Rangers’ farm system for five years and finally reached Triple-A Round Rock last season. Over his minor league career, Zavala has recorded a .238 batting average with a .366 on-base percentage, hitting 43 home runs and driving in 231 runs.
Third Round: Cameron Cauley
Cauley, a high school prospect, currently ranks as the Rangers’ No. 17 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. His versatility allows him to play multiple infield positions, and he has posted a .240/.317/.403 slash line in the minors. At just 22 years old, there is potential for him to see playing time at Round Rock as early as 2026.
Fourth Round: Ian Moller
Moller, another high school pick, has made his way through the minors but has yet to establish himself as a standout player. His development will be closely monitored as he continues to gain experience.
As the Rangers reflect on their 2021 draft class, the contrasting trajectory of Jack Leiter alongside the struggles of his peers highlights the unpredictable nature of player development in professional baseball. The organization will be hoping for a turnaround from the remaining selections, as they look to solidify their future.
