The Texas Rangers made a powerful statement on Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting one of the most exciting high school prospects in the country — Daniel Pierce, a shortstop out of Georgia — with the 12th overall pick, and following it up by drafting AJ Russell, a high-upside right-handed pitcher from Tennessee, in the second round.
Widely considered one of the most athletic and promising prep players available, Pierce had been consistently linked to the Rangers in the weeks leading up to the draft. Known for his explosive bat speed, advanced glove work, and natural leadership on the field, the 18-year-old has drawn early comparisons to Bobby Witt Jr., sparking excitement across the Rangers’ fanbase.
“We’ve been locked in on Daniel for a while now,” said Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young. “He’s got the tools, the drive, and the makeup to be a franchise shortstop.”
With their second-round pick (No. 52 overall), the Rangers rolled the dice on AJ Russell, a flame-throwing righty with elite raw stuff but a history of arm injuries. The Tennessee product posted a 2.70 ERA across just 70 college innings, racking up 104 strikeouts and flashing a fastball consistently in the mid-to-high 90s, graded at 70 by scouts. He also features a sharp slider and a developing changeup.
Russell underwent internal brace surgery in 2024 to repair a partially torn UCL, missing most of his sophomore year. But after returning strong in 2025, his upside was too big for the Rangers to ignore.
“We understand the risks with AJ,” Young acknowledged. “But when he’s on the mound, his stuff is electric. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to become a frontline arm in our system.”
Both picks reflect a clear strategy: invest in elite talent with superstar potential. Daniel Pierce gives Texas a dynamic infield cornerstone, while AJ Russell could become one of the most exciting pitchers in the organization — if his health holds up. Together, they represent a bold and calculated vision for the Rangers’ future.
