Latest Injury Update on Rangers' Top Prospect Provides Optimism for 2026 Status

He could be back sooner than initially expected

Jul 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of a Texas Rangers player during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers fans may be able to breathe a slight sigh of relief after hearing the latest injury update on the team's top prospect.

Sebastian Walcott, MLB Pipeline's No. 7 overall prospect for 2026, recently had internal brace surgery on his right elbow, Texas general manager Ross Fenstermaker announced on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. This most notably means the 6-foot-4 infielder could have a much shorter recovery timeline and may even play in games later this year since he didn't require Tommy John surgery.

Earlier this month, Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young broke the news that Walcott suffered an elbow injury that was expected to sideline him for most or all of 2026. But now, since he had internal brace surgery as opposed to Tommy John, the 19-year-old reportedly faces a five-to-six-month recovery timeline to resume hitting. Fenstermaker even said an August return to hitting in games could be in the cards if everything goes as expected with Walcott's recovery.

What to expect from Sebastian Walcott in 2026

Feb 19, 2025; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers player Sebastian Walcott poses for a photo during Media Day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Despite the positive update on the injury front, Rangers fans may need to pump the brakes on any lofty expectations for Walcott in 2026. Even if the soon-to-be 20-year-old is right on track with the reported five-to-six-month recovery timeline, he'll miss most of the season. At that point, the Rangers may elect to be extra cautious with their top prospect and prioritize his long-term health over rushing him into minor league at-bats this year.

Signed by Texas in 2023 out of the Bahamas, Walcott made his minor league debut that year at just 17. The shortstop and third baseman spent the 2025 season at Double-A, where he hit .255 with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 124 games. That could've put Walcott on track to make his Triple-A debut in 2026 before his injury, and a potential call-up to the majors might have been in play later this year if he had a standout first half of the season.

While other fan bases are extremely eager to see their favorite team's top prospect in the big leagues as soon as possible, Walcott can now most likely be expected to make his major league debut in 2027 at the earliest.