Rangers Prospect Teodo Impresses in Futures GameRangers Prospect Teodo Impresses in Futures Game ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The Texas Rangers’ Emiliano Teodo made a strong case for his future potential in Saturday’s MLB All-Star Week Futures Game, showcasing his impressive pitching skills on the mound. Early Success Teodo, signed by the Rangers in 2019 for $10,000, has emerged as one of the top prospects in their farm system. After a standout start to the 2024 season with the Double-A Frisco Roughriders, he earned the start for the American League at Globe Life Field. Dominant Performance Teodo lived up to expectations, throwing two scoreless, hitless innings and striking out 14 batters. He faced some of the National League’s top minor league prospects, including last year’s No. 2 draft pick Dylan Crews. Humble Approach Despite his impressive outing, Teodo remained humble, emphasizing that draft status did not matter to him. He said, “Hitters, pitchers, it’s all the same, I just come here to do my job.” Future Ambitions Teodo expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Futures Game. He admitted to feeling nervous, but once the game started, he found his rhythm. He expressed his desire to reach the big leagues with his fellow prospects, including Winston Santos, another Ranger prospect who also pitched in the game. Rangers Presence In addition to Teodo, the Texas Rangers had two other top prospects participating in the Futures Game: shortstop Sebastian Walcott and pitcher Winston Santos. Walcott started at shortstop for the AL and reached base on an error, while Santos pitched the seventh inning, allowing one unearned run. Rangers Coaching Connection The players were coached by several former Rangers greats, including Michael Young and Adrian Beltre, who is expected to be inducted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame soon. Young and Beltre emphasized their competitive spirit and desire to win. Final Result Despite Teodo’s strong performance, the National League defeated the American League 6-1. However, the game provided a glimpse into the future of baseball and showcased the potential of the Rangers’ young prospects.
ARLINGTON
The Texas Rangers signed Emiliano Teodo for $10,000 during the 2019-2020 international transfer window and in the following years he emerged as the 14th best prospect in the Rangers farm system.
On Saturday during the MLB All-Star Week Futures Game, he showed why the Rangers made a wise investment.
After an excellent start to the 2024 season for the Double-A Frisco Roughriders, where he posted a 5-2 record with a 1.71 ERA, Teodo earned the start on the mound for the American League at Globe Life Field.
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Teodo continued his hot start, throwing two scoreless, hitless innings, striking out just 14 pitches against some of the National League’s top minor league prospects, including last year’s No. 2 draft pick Dylan Crews.
Teodo performed well against players who were considered to have higher status due to their draft status, but said he is not concerned about that.
“That doesn’t fit my mentality, the bonus doesn’t make a baseball player. We’re all equal,” Teodo said, “Hitters, pitchers, it’s all the same, I just come here to do my job.”
National League A+ Jersey Shore BlueClaws left fielder Justin Crawford (13) catches a fly during the minor league all-stars Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth
“Yes, it motivates me. If I had signed for more money, I would probably have been a different person. I am very humbled to be here,” Teodo said.
Teodo admitted he was nervous and emotional when he walked onto the mound, but was at his best once the race started.
The Futures Game showcases the best prospects from the minor leagues in a seven-inning exhibition game.
The Texas Rangers had two other top prospects participating: shortstop Sebastian Walcott (No. 1), pitcher and pitcher Winston Santos (No. 15)
Santos was signed in the same league for $10,000 and had an excellent season for the High-A Hickory Crawdads, posting a 6-3 record and a 2.83 ERA.
American League pitcher Emiliano Teodo (15) of the AA Frisco RoughRiders works the first inning during the minor league all-stars Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth
Santos came on in the seventh inning and gave up one unearned run on one hit, a walk and a wild pitch.
Teodo spoke after the match about the bond between him and Santos.
“He’s a workhorse, so at the end of the day we work hard together and we’re good friends,” Teodo said. “I hope he keeps working and we can reach the big leagues together one day.”
Walcott got the start at shortstop for the AL and went 0-for-2 but reached base on an error. The shortstop will also participate in the first-ever Futures Skills Showcase that immediately follows the Futures game.
The players were split between national and American teams and were coached by several Rangers greats, including Michael Young and Adrian Beltre, who would soon earn a place in the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame.
Former Texas Ranger Adrian Beltre signals to a player at second base during the minor league all-stars Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth
Young said before the game that he and Beltre wanted more than just to have fun.
“(Beltre) has already told me he’s 2-0 and he plans to be 3-0, so I don’t think any of us would do that if we didn’t want to win the game once it started,” Young said.
The scoring was opened by Cincinnati Reds prospect Cam Collier, winner of the game’s Larry Doby MVP award, who hit a solo home run in the third inning to give the NL their first lead of the game. They held on to that lead for the rest of the game, beating the AL 6-1 and thwarting Beltre’s attempt to make it three straight as manager.
National League first base coach Darren Oliver, a former Texas Rangers player, talks to an MLB employee in the dugout during the minor league all-stars’ Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. Bob Booth Bob Booth
Lawrence Dow is a digital sports reporter from Philadelphia. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from USC. He is passionate about movies and is always looking for a good book. He writes about the Texas Rangers and other sports.
