Why Rangers trended toward college picks in ’24 Draft.
The Rangers entered the 2024 MLB Draft looking to further improve the organizational outlook of an already-bright future after securing their first World Series title last season.
As Day 3 came to a close on Tuesday, Texas appears to have accomplished that goal.
Picking outside of the top half of the first round for the first time since 2017, Rangers director of amateur scouting Kip Fagg felt it was crucial to maximize the value of the 30th overall pick with a wider range of prospects to choose from at that spot. Texas seemed to do exactly that by taking Stanford catcher Malcolm Moore, effectively setting the tone for its remaining 19 picks.
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While the Rangers aimed to stay true to their philosophy of selecting the best available option every time they were on the clock, there was still plenty to take away from their 2024 Draft:
Addressing catching depth
In selecting Moore, who entered the Draft ranked as the No. 26 prospect in the class per MLB Pipeline, Texas is hoping to add high-quality depth to its system behind the plate. Fagg said the Rangers don’t draft for need, but the club is certainly thin at the position, with only one backstop — Jesus Lopez (No. 29) — ranked within the club’s Top 30 prospects list.
• Rangers take Moore with No. 30 pick of Draft
Jonah Heim has emerged as a stalwart for the Rangers over the past two seasons, but if Moore were to rise through the system quickly enough, he could end up challenging Heim for regular reps at that spot. It’s easy to see why.
