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With the 15th overall pick in the draft, the Texas Rangers have selected right-handed pitcher Cole Winn from Orange Lutheran High School out of Orange, California. In mock drafts, Winn was projected to go 2nd by ESPN and 10th by Baseball America.
Over the last two years, Winn has been a dominant force on the high school mound. The 18-year-old became the first player to be named Gatorade Player of the Year in two states after he was named Gatorade California Baseball Player of the Year this year and was the Gatorade Colorado Baseball Player of the Year in 2017. This year for powerhouse Orange Lutheran, he posted an 8-2 record with an eye-popping 0.20 ERA while striking out 120 batters and walking only 11 in 70 innings pitched.
Since moving to California, Winn has improved his game tremendously, as he boasts three plus pitches in his fastball, slider and changeup. He’s also shown that he can play great against elite competition and scouts have raved about his leadership and work ethic. All of these aspects give the Rangers confidence that he can be a future frontline starter in their organization.
Get a look at Winn on the mound here: