Texas continues to maintain a strong international presence, and its top four prospects are products of global scouting: outfielder Leody Taveras (Dominican Republic), left-hander Yohander Mendez (Venezuela), right-hander Ariel Jurado (Panama) and first baseman Ronald Guzman (Dominican Republic). The Rangers are constantly willing to gamble on high-risk, high-reward talent because of the potential payoff, with current examples including right-hander Alex Speas and outfielder Jairo Beras.
Biggest jump/fall
Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the 2016 preseason list to the 2017 preseason list.
Jump: Joe Palumbo, LHP (2016: NR | 2017: 6)
Fall: Michael Matuella, RHP (2016: 8 | 2017: 20)
Andrew Faulkner, LHP (2016: 18 | 2017: 30)
Evan Van Hoosier, 2B (2016: 19 | 2017: NR)
Best tools
Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.