Prospect Spotlight: Josh Jung

The Texas Rangers have not fared well in recent years, so when they drafted Josh Jung in the 1st round of the 2019 draft (8th overall), they were expecting some help. Jung had an exceptional college career, and he exploded on the minor league scene after the draft with an outstanding 1st pro season. Members of the Rangers were likely starting to feel better about the future when they saw what this guy did in the minors. That’s not to say that one 23 year-old 3rd baseman is going to change the world, but then again, why not? 

The San Antonio, Texas native from MacArthur High School went north to Lubbock, Texas, where starting in 2017 he became a standout for the Texas Tech University Red Raiders and Coach Tim Tadlock. Jung helped Tech to Big 12 Conference Championships in 2017 and 2019, and College World Series appearances in 2018 (5th) and 2019 (3rd place finish). His NCAA career spanned 191 games over 3 years, compiling an impressive .348/.455/.577 slash line, with 260 hits, 189 runs, 54 doubles, 9 triples, 33 home runs, 181 RBI, 128 walks, and only 120 strikeouts. A power hitter who doesn’t strike out much is an asset anywhere, and that describes Jung. 

Jung’s first pro assignment was the Arizona Rookie League, and it didn’t take him long to prove he needed to move up. In the AZL, in just 4 games, Jung hit .588 with a .632 OBP - incredible numbers. The Rangers sent him to the Hickory Crawdads (South Atlantic League, full season A), where the numbers settled a bit. In 40 games against better pitching, Jung hit a respectable .287/.363, 45 hits, 13 doubles, 16 walks, and 29 strikeouts. In the field for both teams, Jung made only 2 errors in 100 chances, proving his value is not just offensive.

As the Rangers #1 top prospect, and MLB’s #63, the team brought him to their alternate training site last year, and he’s in camp in Arizona this year as the team prepares for the new season. He’s getting a look at big league pitching, and he has a chance to make the Major League club this spring. If he doesn’t make the team, he may start the year back at Hickory, now the Rangers High-A affiliate, or possibly at Double-A Frisco (Texas League.)   

Any way you look at it, Jung has the potential to help the Rangers in the near future to improve their chances in the AL West.

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