The Texas Rangers are set to bolster their infield depth with their latest projected pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Despite missing the playoffs last season, Texas holds the No. 12 overall selection, a valuable opportunity to add a promising prospect.
While the Rangers are not drafting as high as they did in 2023—when they selected Wyatt Langford at No. 4—this year’s pick still presents a chance to strengthen their farm system. Langford has already made an impact in the majors, while last year’s first-round selection, catcher Malcolm Moore, continues to develop in the minors.
Texas has several options for its draft approach. The team could opt for pitching, as seen with previous first-round picks Jack Leiter (2021) and Kumar Rocker (2022), both of whom are now with the organization. However, another route could be addressing infield depth.
Baseball America’s recent mock draft projected the Rangers to select Kayson Cunningham, a shortstop from Johnson High School in San Antonio, Texas. This would continue a trend of San Antonio-based first-round picks for the Rangers, following 2019 selection Josh Jung.
The pick is intriguing, given that Texas already has Corey Seager, a two-time World Series MVP, under contract through 2031. Additionally, top prospect Sebastian Walcott, regarded as the franchise’s best young talent, is also a shortstop. However, Cunningham might transition to second base, a position currently held by Marcus Semien, whose contract runs through 2028.
With time to develop, Cunningham could be ready to take over second base when Semien’s deal expires. The 2025 MLB Draft is set for July 13-14 during All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, with certain teams, including the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees, facing pick penalties for exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax threshold.
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