Marcus Semien, the Texas Rangers veteran second baseman, is making an impression on the organization’s top prospect, shortstop Sebastian Walcott. Both players have been early risers in the spring training facility, with Walcott, at just 18 years old, jokingly competing with Semien's punctuality. Semien’s extensive experience and unmatched work ethic have made him a valuable mentor for Walcott, who is keen to absorb as much knowledge as possible from his locker mate.

Walcott, who made headlines by hitting his first Cactus League home run, is considered a five-tool player with great potential. Semien, who boasts three All-Star appearances in four seasons, emphasizes the importance of routine and consistency, traits he hopes to instill in Walcott. With a promising start to their spring training, both players are aiming for a productive season ahead, with Semien's leadership guiding Walcott's development into a future star for the Rangers.

Marc Church's journey in baseball began with a high school bet that not only rewarded him financially but also set the stage for his development as a pitcher. After hitting 90 mph in a game, he caught the attention of Marvin Freeman, a former MLB pitcher, leading to mentorship opportunities that are crucial for Black players in the sport. Church and fellow prospect Kumar Rocker represent hope for increasing diversity among MLB pitchers, a demographic where Black participation has notably dwindled.

As Black History Month concludes, the conversation turns to the ongoing challenges Black pitchers face, from access to training resources to cultural adaptability in predominantly white spaces. Church highlights the value of mentorship and relatable figures like Rocker within the Rangers organization, echoing sentiments from other team veterans regarding the necessity of trust and understanding in coaching. Despite MLB's efforts to increase diversity, statistics show an alarming underrepresentation of Black pitchers at the major league level, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to provide more opportunities for aspiring players.

As the MLB season approaches, the Texas Rangers have made headlines with the signing of Joc Pederson, who was ranked as the 8th best designated hitter by ESPN’s Buster Olney. Coming off a standout season with the Diamondbacks, Pederson's impressive stats include 23 home runs and a .908 OPS, predominantly against right-handed pitchers. His skillset fits well within the Rangers' lineup, complementing stars Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, who also made Olney's top rankings.

Though his defensive capabilities may be limited, Pederson's ability to excel in high-leverage situations—including a .346 batting average in such scenarios—makes him a critical asset for the Rangers. The team hopes that his power-hitting will bolster their offensive strategy as they aim to improve after a shaky title defense last year.

Spring training lineup strategies often spark discussions, yet managers like Bruce Bochy insist the batting order is fluid. With the Texas Rangers, players like Marcus Semien and Corey Seager dominate the top spots, but the three-hole remains a question mark. Despite 15 different players filling this position over the last two seasons, Bochy aims for stability. Joc Pederson's strong start this spring might earn him a chance at this crucial role, especially given his impressive past performance at third in the order. Options abound, from Josh Jung to Wyatt Langford, making the Rangers' offense versatile and intriguing.

The fantasy baseball draft season is upon us, and savvy players are already strategizing for 2025. With second base proving to be a weak position, careful selection is critical. This piece highlights three second basemen to avoid due to their inflated average draft positions (ADP).

Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers, once a model of dependability, is now facing concerns about age and declining performance, having seen a drop in both power and speed. Similarly, Tampa Bay's Brandon Lowe, while historically a power threat, struggles with injuries and playing time, leading to disappointing counting stats. Finally, Gleyber Torres, now with the Detroit Tigers, is subject to a significant park factor downgrade that could hinder his performance as he tries to bounce back from a lackluster season.