When anyone thinks of Texas Rangers prospects in 2025, Sebastian Walcott is the player that immediately comes to mind.
The 19-year-old shortstop -- who is baseball’s No. 6-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline -- signed with the Rangers for $3.2 million out of the Bahamas in January 2023. He quickly became one of the best prospects in the system and has only gotten better and better since.
Walcott reached Double-A Frisco for just five games in 2024 before getting a full season at the level this past year, hitting .255/.355/.386 with 12 home runs and 32 stolen bases as one of the youngest players at the level.
He was unable to participate fully in the Arizona Fall League this offseason due to arm fatigue, but he’s clearly exciting enough and talented enough to have been there in the first place.
He hasn’t touched Triple-A Round Rock just yet and likely won’t break camp with the big league club, but all eyes will continue to be on Walcott in 2026. Despite the prospect’s clear talent, president of baseball operations Chris Young said earlier this offseason that the Rangers don’t want to “rush the process” when it comes to getting him to the big leagues.
“We want to make sure that we take the necessary developmental steps,” Young said. “He is a unique talent. … The hope is that we can give him the time he needs to develop and then he'll knock the door down when he's ready. My hope is that it's next year, because I think it would be great for our fans, and I think when he does get here, he's going to help us win.”
And nearly everyone is anxiously awaiting that “when.”
When the Rangers traded veteran second baseman Marcus Semien -- who spent time with Walcott in Spring Training -- to the Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo, naturally some perked up considering Walcott could be an option in the near future.
And yet, second base isn’t an immediate concern for Walcott. There’s a number of internal candidates on the big league roster right now who will compete for the position, namely Josh Smith.
In his three Minor League seasons, Walcott has played 192 games at shortstop, 38 at third base and 65 at designated hitter. He’s played none at second, and with an arm like his, he probably should be on the other side of the infield -- or even in right field eventually.
For now, Walcott is enjoying his offseason, getting ready for another big league camp with an entirely new coaching staff. He’ll be there with the Major League club for good soon enough.
“I think Sebastian's in a great spot, still on track,” said general manager Ross Fenstermaker. “We've talked about a couple different things with him, but I don't think [the Semien trade] has any impact on him whatsoever. One thing we believe in is that it's a meritocracy. The best are going to find their way to figure out the playing time. This will sort itself out. Sebastian is in a good spot. In due time, we'll make a decision there. But he's doing really well.”