The Texas Rangers have gotten strong value from their first-round draft picks in recent years, often leaning toward college players but remaining open to high school talent if it fits their long-term vision and ranking on the board.
Recent first-round selections have already begun paying off, with Wyatt Langford (2023 pick) making an early impact at the MLB level, while Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter—taken in 2021 and 2022—have also shown encouraging progress within the organization.
Looking ahead, the Rangers are scheduled to pick 16th overall in this year’s draft. While they will likely miss out on the very top-tier prospects, the middle of the first round still offers several high-upside players capable of becoming future cornerstones.
This year’s class features a strong group of college hitters, with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky projected near the top of the board and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey also highly regarded early in the first round. However, beyond the top names, there is still significant depth at key positions—especially behind the plate.
One name gaining traction is Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick, who is emerging as a potential second catcher off the board. According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, Helfrick has elevated his stock significantly this season and could be in play when the Rangers are on the clock at No. 16.
Helfrick has posted a standout offensive year, producing a 1.051 OPS with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs across 36 games. Beyond his bat, he has also improved his plate discipline, cutting down on strikeouts while increasing his walk rate.
Defensively, he brings strong tools behind the plate, including advanced pitch-calling ability, solid receiving and framing skills, and a strong throwing arm capable of controlling the running game. Offensively, he offers real power potential, particularly to the pull side, thanks to his bat speed and strength.
Overall, Helfrick profiles as a well-rounded catcher with both defensive reliability and offensive upside, making him a realistic first-round target as the Rangers continue building toward the future.
