Texas Rangers Rule 5 Selection Carson Coleman Has 'High Upside' For Bullpen
NASHVILLE — The Texas Rangers are in the market for pitching depth and took a flier on a right-hander on Wednesday.
The Rangers selected Carson Coleman from the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate during the Major League portion of the MLB Rule 5 Draft at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Coleman, 25, had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last spring. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 33rd round of the 2019 MLB draft.
"He's a player we’re very excited about. I think he can be a very good bullpen arm," Rangers general manager Chris Young said. "We'll have to sort through the timing of his rehab and when he’ll be ready."
Young said Coleman's fastball "really plays."
"He has great makeup. We think there's some upside," he said.
In 2022 with Double-A Somerset, Coleman struck out 69 and walked 10 in 44 innings with a 2.86 ERA.
In three seasons at Kentucky, Coleman struck out 81 with 34 walks in 53 2/3 innings.
MLB Pipeline had Coleman pegged as the Yankees' No. 30 prospect a year ago.
Although the Rangers, and just about every other club in the league, are leaving the Winter Meetings without announcing any blockbuster deals, Young said the groundwork has been laid.
"We’ve had very good discussions on trades with teams, but I think the entire market has been slow," he said. "It will accelerate at some point. I think we’re in a very good position; we understand what our needs are and where our focus is and are prepared to move in any number of directions at the right time."
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