The Texas Rangers have done a fine job of selecting quality players in the first round over the years. Just look back at players like Cole Ragans, Josh Jung, Jack Leiter, and Wyatt Langford.

The front office has seemed to prefer to pick a college player over a high school player, but pivoted last summer when they took Great Oak High School shortstop Gavin Fien with the 12th overall selection.

This year, Texas will be selecting 16th overall. And while there will be some elite talent off the board at this spot, there will be plenty of intriguing options left.

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Rangers linked to Mississippi State’s bat-first 3B in upcoming MLB Draft

During the last three drafts, the Rangers have selected an outfielder, a catcher, and then a shortstop. They have taken their fair share of pitchers as well, but some analysts believe they will go all-in on a bat.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter links them to taking Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese in the first round, which may be a bit of a risky move.

“The right-handed hitting, bat-first corner infielder with limited defensive value is a risky profile, but Reese is absolutely raking this spring. The 6’4″, 220-pound slugger has a .317/.420/.688 line with 19 doubles, 17 home runs and 60 RBI in 49 games, and if a team believes he can stick at third base or handle left field, he could go off the board even earlier.”

Reese doesn’t offer much defensive value, as much of his value comes from his offensive ability. It may be tough for him to stick in the field in the big leagues, but he has one of the best bats in the class.

Reuter suggests that Reese could move up a few spots if he continues to dominate this spring. But as of now, he sees the Rangers making Reese their first-round selection.