The Texas Rangers are making a notable internal move that reflects both confidence in their farm system and a look toward the future. According to reports, the club is promoting Kohl Drake, one of its most promising left-handed pitching prospects, to Triple-A Round Rock following a dominant first half at Double-A Frisco.
Drake, 24, has put together an exceptional campaign in Frisco, going 4-3 with a 2.44 ERA in 12 starts, racking up 70 strikeouts and 22 walks across 55.1 innings. He most recently delivered a six-inning shutout performance, allowing just two hits and two walks in a win — a strong finish to an already stellar month in which he posted a 1.64 ERA in four outings.
The left-hander, currently ranked the No. 11 prospect in the Rangers’ system by MLB Pipeline, is also their top-rated left-handed pitcher. His promotion to Triple-A makes him one step closer to an MLB debut, potentially as early as 2026.
This marks Drake’s second consecutive breakout season. In 2023, he climbed from Class A Down East to High-A Hickory and then to Frisco, combining for a 9-5 record and a 2.29 ERA across three levels, with 148 strikeouts in 106 innings.
Since being selected by Texas in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Walters State Community College, Drake has shown steady growth. After a rocky first season in 2023, where he posted a 6.36 ERA, he rebounded impressively by improving command, refining his delivery, and dramatically reducing opponents’ batting average — from .305 in 2023 to .196 in 2024, and an even stingier .164 this season.
Though the Rangers are currently navigating a tough stretch in the AL West standings, the promotion of Kohl Drake is a promising development. His maturity, pitch mix, and ability to handle Double-A hitters with poise have placed him squarely on the radar for a future spot in the big-league rotation.
With this move to Round Rock, Kohl Drake takes the next big step toward Arlington — and the Rangers take another stride toward a homegrown future on the mound.
