The Texas Rangers could soon be forced to make a key decision on one of their most promising young arms, as top pitching prospect Caden Scarborough is rapidly approaching a level where High-A is no longer providing much of a challenge.
With the All-Star break approaching, organizations like Texas often use this period to reassess their farm systems and adjust affiliate placements. That usually leads to a wave of promotions as players who have shown they are ready earn the next opportunity. Scarborough is firmly in that category right now.
That also puts attention on the Rangers’ No. 2 overall prospect, who is closing in on a move from High-A Hub City to Double-A Frisco. At this point, his performance suggests there is little left for him to prove at his current level.
Caden Scarborough’s Season
Scarborough’s path this season started with an unexpected setback. During spring training, he was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma on his neck, which required surgery before he could report to camp in Surprise, Arizona. As a result, his ramp up was delayed compared to other top prospects, and he did not make his first minor league appearance until May.
Despite that slow start, his production has been strong. While his record sits at 0 and 4, the underlying numbers tell a very different story.
Across six total starts between the Arizona Complex League Rangers and High A Hub City, he has posted a 2.79 earned run average, with 26 strikeouts and six walks over 19.1 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .235 against him, and he has allowed only one home run. In his most recent outing for Hub City, he went 4.2 innings, gave up six hits and two earned runs, while striking out five and walking two.
The 21 year old right hander produced similar dominance a year ago, which helped him surge up prospect rankings from the lower part of the organization’s top 30 into one of its premier names, according to MLB Pipeline. That rise also earned him recognition as a Top 100 prospect, joining shortstop Sebastian Walcott as one of the few Rangers prospects with that status.
Last season, his win loss record of 2 and 5 did not reflect his dominance on the mound. He recorded a 2.45 ERA over 21 appearances and struck out 114 batters across 88 innings. He also issued just 21 walks, showing elite control, along with a strikeout to walk profile that has remained strong this season. He limited hitters to a .181 batting average and produced a 0.88 WHIP.
Before his medical setback, there was even discussion that he could begin the year pushing toward Double A Frisco. That plan was delayed, but now that he has built momentum again at High A, the Rangers are expected to seriously evaluate the timing of his next promotion.
His development remains a major priority for Texas, especially after significant pitching departures at last year’s trade deadline and again this offseason. One deal involving Merrill Kelly cost the organization multiple top left handed pitching prospects, including Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and David Hagaman.
Because of that, Scarborough’s rise is not just about progression, it is also about organizational need. The Rangers are counting on him to help replenish a system that has been heavily depleted.