First Pitch 2021 MLB Mock Draft: Predicting the top-5
By Mark Powell
MLB Mock Draft: Texas Rangers select Jack Leiter
“In my opinion, Texas should select RHP Jack Leiter out of Vanderbilt. The Rangers have a clear need for frontline starting pitching in their system, as they mostly lack it outside of No. 3 prospect Cole Winn. Leiter would immediately boost the Rangers’ farm, while also giving credence to the organization’s belief that 2023 is a reachable goal to return to contention. Not to mention, many Rangers fans are clamoring for Leiter to end up in Arlington, so the pick would be hugely popular. Texas has been linked to other shortstop prospects as well, and I’ve heard they love Mayer. Since he’s expected to go to Pittsburgh, though, Jordan Lawlar has been mocked frequently to the Rangers. I can’t see them passing on Leiter if he’s there, however.” – Nolan Writin site editor Seth Carlson.
For months, Leiter was competing against his own teammate in fellow Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker for the top pitcher selection in this class. Unlike Rocker, Leiter could still threaten to go back to school if he doesn’t like his selection or financial slot. That seems relatively unlikely at this juncture.
Per FanGraphs, “Scouts with other teams speculated to us that Leiter better fits Texas’ self-perceived competitive timeline, and that they have the bonus pool flex to get a deal done even if Leiter’s camp sees this market as sub-optimal.”
As mentioned above, it seems as though Leiter’s camp would prefer Texas or Boston as a landing spot for the son of the former major-league pitcher. Leiter should be able to make his way through the minors fairly quickly. He finished his collegiate career with a 13-4 record, and a 2.08 ERA.