The Texas Rangers made a bold move by trading for left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore, sending a clear message: they’re going all-in on winning now. But that push for the present came with a price – and it wasn’t cheap.

To land Gore from the Washington Nationals, the Rangers parted ways with five prospects: shortstop Gavin Fien, right-hander Alejandro Rosario, first baseman/outfielder Abimelec Ortiz, infielder Devin Fitz-Gerald, and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera. That’s a significant chunk of the organization’s young talent.

President of baseball operations Chris Young deserves credit for making a win-now move. Gore is a legitimate arm with upside, and he fills a need in the rotation.

But there’s no denying the cost. Even before the deal, Texas’ farm system was already ranked near the bottom – 25th out of 30, according to USA Today.

Now, with five more names off the board, the depth takes another hit.

Still, the cupboard isn’t bare. While top prospect Sebastian Walcott remains the headliner, there are a few under-the-radar names who could rise quickly in a system that suddenly has more opportunity for upward movement. Let’s take a closer look at two players who could step into the spotlight in the post-Gore trade landscape.

SS/RHP Josh Owens – The Next Two-Way Hope?

With Gavin Fien now in Washington, 19-year-old Josh Owens becomes the Rangers’ top infield prospect not named Walcott. And he’s not just an infielder – he’s also a pitcher.

Owens was selected in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Providence Academy in Johnson City, Tennessee, and signed for an over-slot $1.1 million. That kind of investment shows the Rangers believe in his upside.

Owens is a left-handed hitter with a 6-foot-3 frame and a skillset that leans more toward contact than power – for now. There’s room for him to grow into more pop as he matures physically. What stands out right away is his athleticism: he has good speed and a strong arm, both of which serve him well on the infield and on the mound.

The Rangers initially said they would develop him as a two-way player, though early signs suggest his future may be brighter as a position player. That said, he’s shown flashes on the mound.

His fastball touches 92 mph, and in two appearances for Single-A Hickory last season, he allowed no earned runs, just one hit, and three walks while striking out six over four innings. It’s a small sample, but the tools are intriguing.

At the plate, Owens didn’t do much in his brief stint with Hickory – just two hits in 24 plate appearances – but that’s hardly enough to draw conclusions. With a full season ahead and more consistent reps, he’s a strong breakout candidate in a system that suddenly needs one.

RHP Emiliano Teodo – A Bullpen X-Factor

The Rangers lost a promising arm in Alejandro Rosario as part of the Gore deal, but that opens the door for someone like Emiliano Teodo to climb the depth chart. While he’s currently ranked behind several other right-handers – including Jose Corniell, Winston Santos, AJ Russel, David Davalillo, and Caden Scarborough – Teodo has the kind of raw stuff that could make him a bullpen weapon if things click.

Teodo, 24, had a rough 2025 season, battling back issues that limited him to just 30 innings across Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock. The numbers weren’t pretty – a 7.20 ERA and 29 walks in those 30 innings – but he also struck out 38 batters and held opponents to a .231 average. The swing-and-miss stuff is there; it’s the command that needs work.

All of his innings last year came out of the bullpen, a role that could suit him long-term if he can stay healthy. And there’s reason for optimism: in 2024, Teodo was dominant as a starter for Double-A Frisco, posting a 1.98 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 86 1/3 innings. That version of Teodo – the one with electric stuff and confidence in the zone – is still in there.

The Rangers have a deep rotation, but the bullpen remains a work in progress. If Teodo can rediscover his 2024 form and stay on the field, he could be a key piece in late innings. With Rosario out of the picture, the path is clearer than ever.

The Bottom Line

The MacKenzie Gore trade reshaped the Rangers’ farm system – and not in a good way. Losing five prospects from an already thin pipeline is a tough pill to swallow.

But trades like this are about timing and belief. Texas believes its window is open now, and Gore gives them another proven arm to chase October baseball.

Still, the long-term health of the organization depends on finding the next wave of talent. Josh Owens and Emiliano Teodo aren’t household names – yet – but they’ve got the tools to make some noise in a system that’s suddenly looking for new faces to step up.