News Summary
The Texas Rangers are reportedly considering selecting a talented high school prospect from the San Antonio area for the upcoming MLB draft. This reflects their strategy of scouting local talent, which has previously included standout rookie Josh Jung. Jung has become a key player for the Rangers since being drafted in 2019, contributing significantly to the team’s recent successes, including their World Series run. The Rangers also express interest in another local prospect, showcasing their commitment to developing players from the area.
ARLINGTON – The Texas Rangers are reportedly considering selecting a high school prospect from the San Antonio area in the upcoming MLB draft, continuing their trend of scouting local talent that includes the impressive rookie, Josh Jung.
The Rangers selected Jung during the 2019 MLB draft, bringing attention to his promising career since he played third base at Texas Tech University. Originating from San Antonio, Jung attended MacArthur High School, where he began to garner recognition for his baseball talent. Since entering the league, he has established himself as a pivotal asset for the Rangers, contributing significantly to the team’s recent push for success, including their World Series run in 2023.
Jung, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career, has emerged as one of the few consistent performers on the Rangers’ roster during a challenging 2023 season offensively. His outstanding play has not gone unnoticed, with new hitting coach Bret Boone expressing particular praise for his approach at the plate. In a recent game, Jung showcased his abilities by hitting both a three-run and a solo home run, reinforcing his status as a key player.
The Texas Rangers’ interest in local talent extends beyond Jung, as they are eyeing a prep shortstop from Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School for the upcoming draft. MLB.com’s mock draft suggests the Rangers may select him at the No. 12 overall pick, highlighting his “plus hit tool” as a major asset. Baseball America also indicates that the shortstop is a strong contender to be chosen in the first round, further emphasizing the Rangers’ commitment to scouting promising players from the San Antonio area.
In recent years, the Rangers have balanced their draft strategies with mixed results. Their last five first-round selections have included catcher Malcolm Moore (2022), outfielder Wyatt Langford (2023), and pitchers Kumar Rocker (2022) and Jack Leiter (2021). This eclectic mix highlights the franchise’s strategy of bolstering their team with diverse talent while remaining open to established local prospects.
In addition to Jung’s achievements, his younger brother, Jace Jung, has also made waves in the world of baseball. Currently an infielder for the Detroit Tigers, Jace has followed in Josh’s footsteps and successfully transitioned to professional baseball. The siblings, who have long shared a competitive spirit that began during their childhood video game battles, recently faced each other in MLB for the first time shortly after their debuts. This unique moment is a testament to their shared passion for the sport and brotherly bond.
The Jung brothers maintain a strong relationship characterized by mutual support in their professional endeavors. During the offseason, they train together, and they frequently communicate through video calls, enabling them to stay connected despite their respective teams and careers taking them in different directions. Their success as Major Leaguers is a rare phenomenon, as the occurrence of siblings playing at this high level is uncommon.
The Texas Rangers’ focus on local talent and their commitment to developing players from the San Antonio area underscores their strategy for long-term success. With the emergence of Josh Jung as a vital component of their roster and the potential selection of another local prospect, the team’s future seems bright as they navigate the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kumar Rocker Shines in Impressive MLB Debut with Texas Rangers
Additional Resources
- Yardbarker
- Wikipedia: Josh Jung
- MLB News
- Google Search: Jace Jung
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Texas Rangers Draft
- Lancaster Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Draft
- MSN
- Google News: Josh Jung
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
