After dominating the 2023 postseason, going 13-4 en route to their first World Series victory, the Texas Rangers were primed to contend for years to come. This was in part due to young talent, including Evan Carter and Josh Jung. Additionally, MVP candidates Corey Seager and Marcus Semien fronted the Rangers lineup. Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi were the aces of the Rangers staff that silenced bats through the postseason. Unfortunately, Montgomery would leave in free agency, and without a suitable replacement, the team struggled.
In the 2024 season, the Rangers would finish third in the division with a 78-84 record, missing the playoffs. While they are 79-73 so far in 2025, they are 3 1/2 games out of the last Wild Card slot in the American League, and look to be missing the playoffs again. Now looking forward to the future, the Rangers see promise in top prospect Sebastian Walcott to get them back.
The Texas Rangers’ Teenage Superstar Sebastian Walcott
After signing for $3.2 million out of the Bahamas at 17 years old, Sebastian Walcott was ready to break out. In his first professional season, Walcott slashed .273/.325/.524 in Rookie ball before going to High-A. In 35 games, he had 19 extra-base hits with nine stolen bases, while unfortunately only drawing 10 walks. To go along with that, Walcott struck out 51 times in those 35 games. To start 2024, he was in High-A, where he hit .261 with a .785 OPS in 116 games. Walcott had 50 XBH, 49 RBI, and 26 stolen bases at the level during the season. His strikeout rate did not get better, as he struck out 125 times. To end the year, Walcott went up to Double-A, playing in five games to gain experience.
Sebastian Walcott looks like he’s sprinting through the finish line at Double-A.
Last 14 games: .321/.441/.464, 11 BB, 7 K, 6 SB
Reminder that he does not turn 20 until March of next year. No. 8 overall prospect @JustBB_Media pic.twitter.com/Zg7sFJiwVj
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) September 5, 2025
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At just 19 years old, Walcott is one of the youngest players at the level and is still adjusting. So far in 2025, he is slashing .255/.355/.386 with 34 extra-base hits in 124 games. In addition to that, Walcott has 59 RBI and 32 stolen bases. His discipline has improved, as he has walked 70 times while getting struck out 108 times. While his slugging percentage is down this year, his power is still there with elite bat speed and exit velocities. This combination allows him to continue to have success while working on his discipline at the plate between strikeouts and walks. He has already seen this, as his strikeout rate has dropped by 6% from last year while increasing his walk rate by almost 4%.
Looking to the Future
While Sebastian Walcott is still in Double-A, it poses the question of when he will make it to the majors. If he begins 2026 in Triple-A, it is possible that he makes it to the majors toward the back end of next season. While he is a primary shortstop, the Rangers currently have Corey Seager at the position, which could potentially block him there. With Seager getting older and dealing with injuries, it could stand to reason that he becomes more of a DH than an everyday shortstop. When that happens, Walcott could then transition into the shortstop position for the Rangers.
Main Photo Credit: © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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