As the sun shines on Arizona, the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals gear up for one of baseball's most exciting traditions: the spring breakout game. This year, the spotlight is on the Rangers' up-and-coming talent, with 14 of their top 30 prospects ready to showcase their skills. While top prospect Sebastian Walcott will be sitting this one out, there's still plenty of young talent to keep an eye on.
Prospects to Watch in the 2026 Spring Breakout Game
Josh Owens, SS/RHP
At just 19, Josh Owens is making waves as one of the Rangers' promising two-way players.
Drafted straight out of high school, Owens has only a handful of professional games under his belt. While he struggled at the plate last season with a .083 batting average, his pitching tells a different story.
In four scoreless innings, he's racked up six strikeouts, hinting at a bright future on the mound. The Rangers are keen to develop him as a dual threat, hoping he can shine both as a hitter and a pitcher.
Friday's game could be the perfect stage for Owens to flex his versatility.
Seong-Jun Kim, SS/RHP
Another dual-threat talent, Seong-Jun Kim, is the Rangers' 10th-ranked prospect.
The 18-year-old from Korea made the leap to the U.S. with a hefty $1.2 million signing bonus. Though his experience is limited, his fastball has already hit 95 mph this spring, complemented by a slider, curveball, and splitter.
Texas plans to nurture his two-way potential carefully, balancing his time on the mound and at shortstop to preserve his arm. Kim's role in the breakout game is still a mystery, but his potential is undeniable.
Dalton Pence, LHP
Dalton Pence, a 23-year-old southpaw, is ready for his second full season in pro ball.
As the oldest prospect on this list, Pence has climbed the ranks to become the Rangers' 22nd best prospect. Last season, he posted a 2.73 ERA with 103 strikeouts over 82.1 innings in Single-A.
While Texas envisions him as a starter, his skill set might also translate well in a relief role. Keep an eye on Pence as he looks to build on his impressive debut season.
Jack Wheeler, 3B
Jack Wheeler, a 19-year-old from Illinois, is the Rangers' sixth-round pick from 2025.
A former three-sport athlete, Wheeler's raw power and athleticism make him an exciting prospect at third base. Although he hasn't played a professional game yet, his workouts and backfield games this spring have shown promise.
Standing tall at six-foot-five, Wheeler is a powerhouse in the making. He’s expected to start in the Arizona Complex League, but he'll get a chance to shine in the breakout game, likely following the team's 8th overall prospect, Yolfran Castillo, at third base.
As these young talents take the field, the spring breakout game offers a glimpse into the future of the Rangers. Each player brings something unique, and Friday's matchup is their chance to make a lasting impression.