Shohei Ohtani’s success has inspired MLB teams to search for the next two-way sensation, and the Texas Rangers joined that trend by selecting their second two-way player, in the third round of the MLB Draft.
Top star, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound high school standout from Providence, Tennessee, plays shortstop and outfield, while also showing potential on the mound. Though he’s primarily viewed as a hitter, he has the ability to showcase promising pitching skills as well.
He’s an exceptional athlete with top-tier tools — a 70-grade run, 50-grade hit tool, 45-grade power, 60-grade arm, and 50-grade fielding. His meteoric rise up draft boards is drawing comparisons to Evan Carter during his amateur days.
While there’s limited data available on his pitching profile, Owens can reach the 90s with his fastball and has already pitched for both Team USA and in the Appalachian League this summer. Recent scouting reports highlight his ability to stand out among his peers with ease.
Despite flying under the radar throughout much of the draft process, Owens is a highly projectable talent. He has yet to fully grow into his frame but has already impressed as an amateur. His exit velocities consistently exceed 100 mph, and his athleticism is evident in every aspect of his game. With a dynamic arm and plenty of room to develop, the ceiling is high.
Developing a high-level athlete like Owens is often easier than teaching raw skills from scratch, and his foundation is full of exciting, untapped upside. The Rangers, who already signed Kim-sung Joon earlier this year as the organization’s first two-way player, clearly have a vision — to find their own version of Shohei Ohtani. GM Chris Young appears committed to targeting athletic shortstop/pitcher hybrids, betting big on athleticism as the future of the two-way player mold. If all goes well, Owens could become the next breakout star in Texas’ system, but it will take time and patience for fans to see his full potential unfold.