Cole Winn

Winn, the Rangers' first-round draft pick in 2018, looked like he was on his way following a breakout 2021 season at Double-A Frisco, which included an appearance in the All-Star Futures game and being named the Double-A Central Pitcher of the Year. The path to MLB has since stalled at Triple-A Round Rock, where he's issued a passel of walks (166 in 222.2 IP, 6.7 BB/9) and his HR/FB spiked over the last two seasons. The right-hander was eventually moved to the bullpen in June, but Winn's results didn't improve much. His fastball still lives in the 92-95 mph zone, but whatever action and deception worked at Double-A did not fool Triple-A hitters. The good news is that Winn pitched well in Puerto Rican Winter League, which potentially sets him up to compete for an open No. 5 starter job for Texas. The Rangers need to bide their time until June when Max Scherzer (back) is expected back. Read Past Outlooks