In the 2019 MLB Draft, the Texas Rangers picked Texas Tech third baseman Josh Jung, who also has strong ties to San Antonio.
Before joining the Red Raiders, Jung attended MacArthur High School in San Antonio.
His younger brother, Jace Jung—now an infielder with the Detroit Tigers—followed a similar path.
Josh Jung has spent time training with the Rangers and, despite multiple injuries, has established himself as a regular in the lineup.
He was a key contributor during Texas’ 2023 World Series run as a rookie.
This year, as the team struggles offensively, Jung has remained one of the few consistently productive hitters.
According to MLB. com’s latest mock draft, the Rangers could again look to San Antonio for their next first-round pick.
Prep shortstop Kayson Cunningham, who just finished his senior season at Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High School in San Antonio, is projected to go to Texas at No. 12 overall.
Analyst Jonathan Mayo cited Cunningham’s “plus hit tool” as a key factor.
Baseball America also views Cunningham as one of the most likely first-rounders to reach the big leagues.
With Corey Seager currently manning shortstop and top prospect Sebastian Walcott developing in the system, Texas wouldn’t need Cunningham to contribute immediately.
The Rangers have taken a varied approach with their recent first-round picks.
Last year, they drafted catcher Malcolm Moore out of Stanford.
He’s currently with High-A Hub City but is on the injured list.
In 2023, the team selected outfielder Wyatt Langford from Florida.
The former SEC standout rocketed through the minors and made the Opening Day roster.
He’s now Texas’ everyday left fielder.
Texas used their 2022 first-round pick on pitcher Kumar Rocker from Vanderbilt.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Rocker debuted in MLB last year and recently returned to Triple-A following a brief stint in the rotation.
In 2021, the Rangers picked another Vanderbilt product—pitcher Jack Leiter—who is now part of the starting rotation.
Their 2020 pick, infielder Justin Foscue from Mississippi State, has seen MLB time but is currently with Triple-A Round Rock.
