Analysts split on two players Rangers could select in 2023 MLB draft

Though the Texas Rangers are one of the top teams in MLB so far this season, their 68-94 record from last season gave them the No. 4 pick in the 2023 MLB draft on Sunday (6 p.m. on ESPN).

Most draft analysts agree the top three players in this year’s class are LSU’s Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes, and Florida’s Wyatt Langford. If those three are taken before Texas’ pick, pundits say the Rangers are likely to take the top high school bat in the draft.

Then the question is; who do the Rangers think that is?

The Athletic’s Keith Law: Max Clark, OF, Franklin Community HS, Franklin, Indiana

Clark is an outstanding all-around athlete, a 70 runner with an incredible build and an easy, pretty left-handed swing that looks geared to drive the ball to all fields. He’s got bat speed and hand strength that should translate to plus power or close to it when he reaches his peak, even without the projection to add a ton of muscle between now and then. His speed translates to plus defense in center and he has the arm to play anywhere in the outfield. He’s earned praise from scouts for his competitiveness and his work ethic. He’s a Vanderbilt commit, but his future is in pro ball, with real superstar upside.

MLB.com’s Jim Callis: Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS, Southport, North Carolina

Langford won’t get past the Rangers but probably won’t get to them either. So Texas would come down to Jenkins versus Clark, which could go either way.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel: Clark

I’ve been going back and forth between Jenkins and Clark here in the scenario that the college guys make up the top three picks. I had Jenkins here the past two mocks, and I’m still not sure where I’ll settle. Texas has been heavily looking at prep bats, and unless Langford gets here (unlikely but possible; if so, he stops here) or Crews gets here (another under 10% but greater than 0% chance dark horse), I think the Rangers pick one of these two prep bats.

Baseball Prospect Journal’s Dan Zielinski III: Jenkins

The Rangers are going back and forth between the top two prep outfielders in this year’s class – Jenkins and Clark. Jenkins has a slight edge. Crews and Langford also would be in the mix if somehow they made it to No. 4.