The Texas Rangers' recent draft pick, Hudson Calhoun, is a pitcher with a lot of potential, but also a lot of questions. At 22 years old, Calhoun is a right-handed pitcher who has primarily pitched in relief during his three seasons at the University of Mississippi. While his numbers are impressive, with 67 strikeouts and 26 walks in 46 innings over 22 games in 2026, there are some concerns that the Rangers will need to address.
One of the main issues with Calhoun is his command and control. Despite having a mid-90s fastball that can generate whiffs, he has struggled with his location throughout his college career. This is a critical area of improvement, as a pitcher's ability to locate their pitches is essential to their success. In my opinion, this is a major reason why the Rangers are likely looking to try him out as a starting pitcher, at least initially.
Calhoun's build and repertoire are also factors to consider. With a five-pitch mix that includes a fastball, cutter, curve, slider, and changeup, he has the tools to be a successful pitcher. However, his size and frame may limit his ability to pitch deep into games, which could be a concern for the Rangers. Personally, I think that Calhoun's potential as a starting pitcher is worth exploring, but the Rangers will need to be patient and provide him with the necessary support and development.
The Rangers' decision to draft Calhoun is an interesting one, and it raises a deeper question about the organization's approach to player development. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Calhoun has been ranked by MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, suggesting that he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team. However, the organization will need to carefully consider his strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to maximize his potential.
In my opinion, the Rangers' decision to draft Calhoun is a smart one, but it will require a lot of work and patience. The organization will need to provide him with the necessary support and development to help him reach his full potential. From my perspective, this is a player worth watching, and I am curious to see how the Rangers will utilize his skills and develop his talents over the coming years.
