WALCOTT BLASTS OFF

It took some time for Rangers shortstop Sebastian Walcott to find his footing at High-A Hickory.

- GEOFF PONTES

But when the 18-year-old Bahamian got up to speed, the results were eye-popping.

Walcott slumped hard during the first two months of the season, hitting .195/.326/.315 in April and May.

Those struggles should have been expected for a player who spent last season in Rookie ball.

Just when many began to question the Rangers’ decision to aggressively assign Walcott to High-A, he caught fire.

Over his next 51 games, Walcott hit .300/.359/.523 while cutting his strikeout rate.

Walcott stands out for the many ways he can help his team. He flashes impressive tools on both sides of the ball, with potential for plus power, speed and a presently plus throwing arm.

South Atlantic League managers took note, voting him Best Infield Arm and Most Exciting Player in Best Tools surveys.

Walcott offers tantalizing upside with the ability to deliver jaw-dropping moments in the field and the batter’s box.