Rangers Top Pitching Prospect Makes Intriguingly Quick Progress at Triple-A

Remember when Texas Rangers pitching prospect Dalton Pence was struggling with Triple-A pitching? Yeah, he’s done with that.

The left-hander, who was promoted to Round Rock just before the trade deadline, was named the Pacific Coast League pitcher of the week for Aug. 3 after he made just his second start at Triple-A.

It says plenty about quick a study the former North Carolina Tar Heel is after a move to the Rangers’ highest affiliate. It also makes him an intriguing pitcher to watch as the Rangers begin putting together their 2027 starting rotation. He is also the Rangers’ No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline.

Dalton Pence’s Award-Winning Week

Texas Rangers pitcher Dalton Pence poses for a photo while holding a baseball in front of him. — Texas Rangers pitcher Dalton Pence. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Against the Sacramento River Cats on Friday, Pence threw five scoreless innings as he gave up just two hits and one walk and struck out six hitters. Of his 63 pitches, 46 were strikes.

This was a week after his debut at Round Rock, which was shaky. Pence went just 1.2 innings as he gave up four hits, three runs (two earned), two walks and struck out one. He threw 43 pitches, 25 of which were strikes.

It isn't uncommon for pitching prospects to struggle when they make the move from Double-A to Triple-A, considering the skill of hitters they're facing. It is unusual to see a pitcher make adjustments that quickly. But Pence has proven to be a quick study all season.

He started the season at High-A Hub City and quickly earned a promotion to Double-A Frisco. In 18 games, 17 of which have been starts, he has a 2.71 ERA in 86.1 innings pitched with 98 strikeouts. Among Rangers qualifying minor league players, he is first in ERA, first in opponent batting average (.161), second in WHIP (1.15) and third in strikeouts.

He was the Rangers’ 11th round pick in 2024 out of North Carolina and since he started his pro career he has a 2.72 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 49 games, 35 of which have been starts. 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA at Frisco in 11 games, with 10 starts. He struck out 61 and walked 23 in 55.1 innings while batters were hitting just .212 against him.

Pence is now positioning himself for a second straight non-roster invitation to spring training, with the opportunity to earn a rotation spot. There may not be one to fight for. The Rangers have all five of their opening day starting pitchers under contract in 2027, including Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, MacKenzie Gore, Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker.

Add us as a preferred source on Google