The Texas Rangers' Bold Trade Deadline Move: A Sleeper Pitching Prospect's Rise
The Texas Rangers made a bold move at the trade deadline, sacrificing top pitching prospects for immediate improvement. They acquired starter Merrill Kelly and relievers Phil Maton and Danny Coulombe, but let go of Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, David Hagaman, Mason Molina, Skylar Hales, and Garrett Horn. The deal for Drake, Bratt, and Hagaman was particularly notable, as all three were top-15 prospects, and the return, Kelly, only pitched for two months in Texas before returning to Arizona on a two-year deal.
The Rangers essentially got nothing out of the Kelly deal, as Maton is now with the Chicago Cubs and Coulombe is still looking for a contract. This leaves the Rangers in a position where they must reload from within, and one promising prospect is Izack Tiger.
Izack Tiger: A Sleeper Prospect with Potential
The Rangers drafted Tiger in the seventh round of the 2023 MLB draft from Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. Before his selection, he played in the Cape Cod Baseball League. After being drafted, Texas sent him to the Arizona Complex League, where he pitched in three games, including one start. He struck out four and walked two in four innings, showcasing his potential early on.
Tiger's Progress in 2024
In 2024, Tiger's progress accelerated. He played for three different teams: the ACL Rangers, Class-A Down East, and High-A Hickory. He went 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA in 13 games, with 12 starts. He struck out 59 and walked 21 in 46 innings, demonstrating his ability to dominate on the mound.
However, last season was cut short due to injury. Tiger underwent Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow, which will keep him out of the rotation for 2025 and place him on the High-A Hub City's season-long injured list. The right-hander is expected to pitch again in 2026, and when he returns, scouts and batters alike will witness an intriguing combination of pitches.
Baseball America's Josh Norris praised Tiger's potential, stating, 'When healthy, the right-hander throws a hot, lively fastball and backs it with a slider and splitter that each project as above-average or plus pitches.'
Tiger's Future: A Promising Runway
When Tiger returns to action, he'll likely get a chance to build up his pitching load. The expectations for 2026 are clear: stay healthy and maintain a spot in the rotation. If he can recapture his pre-surgery live fastball, he could quickly move through the system and become a key starter for the Rangers.
The Rangers' trade deadline move has set the stage for a promising pitching prospect's rise, and Izack Tiger is poised to make his mark in the MLB.
