## Rangers’ Emiliano Teodo Shines at MLB’s Futures Game## Rangers’ Emiliano Teodo Shines at MLB’s Futures Game Arlington, Texas – The Texas Rangers’ 2019-2020 international signing, Emiliano Teodo, has emerged as a top prospect in the organization, and his performance at the MLB All-Star Week Futures Game showcased why. After an impressive start to the season with the Double-A Frisco Roughriders, Teodo earned a spot on the American League team for the Futures Game at Globe Life Field. Taking the mound for the AL, Teodo threw two scoreless, hitless innings, striking out 14 batters. His performance highlighted his talent and potential, despite his lower draft status compared to other prospects. “That doesn’t fit my mentality, the bonus doesn’t make a baseball player,” Teodo said. “We’re all equal, hitters, pitchers, it’s all the same, I just come here to do my job.” Teodo’s performance was even more impressive considering the caliber of opposition he faced, including top draft pick Dylan Crews. “Yes, it motivates me. If I had signed for more money, I would probably have been a different person,” Teodo said. “I am very humbled to be here.” The Futures Game showcased the best prospects from the minor leagues, including two other top Rangers prospects: shortstop Sebastian Walcott and pitcher Winston Santos. Walcott, the Rangers’ No. 1 prospect, went 0-for-2 but reached base on an error, while Santos pitched one inning, giving up one unearned run. Teodo’s bond with Santos was evident after the game, as he spoke about Santos’ work ethic and their shared goal of reaching the major leagues together. The game was coached by former Rangers greats Michael Young and Adrian Beltre, who injected a competitive spirit into the game. Despite the AL’s 6-1 loss, Teodo’s performance was a bright spot for the Rangers organization, showcasing his potential as a future star.
ARLINGTON
The Texas Rangers signed Emiliano Teodo for $10,000 during the 2019-2020 international transfer window and in the following years he emerged as the 14th best prospect in the Rangers farm system.
On Saturday during the MLB All-Star Week Futures Game, he showed why the Rangers made a wise investment.
After an excellent start to the 2024 season for the Double-A Frisco Roughriders, where he posted a 5-2 record with a 1.71 ERA, Teodo earned the start on the mound for the American League at Globe Life Field.
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Teodo continued his hot start, throwing two scoreless, hitless innings, striking out just 14 pitches against some of the National League’s top minor league prospects, including last year’s No. 2 draft pick Dylan Crews.
Teodo performed well against players who were considered to have higher status due to their draft status, but said he is not concerned about that.
“That doesn’t fit my mentality, the bonus doesn’t make a baseball player. We’re all equal,” Teodo said, “Hitters, pitchers, it’s all the same, I just come here to do my job.”
National League A+ Jersey Shore BlueClaws left fielder Justin Crawford (13) catches a fly during the minor league all-stars Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth
“Yes, it motivates me. If I had signed for more money, I would probably have been a different person. I am very humbled to be here,” Teodo said.
Teodo admitted he was nervous and emotional when he walked onto the mound, but was at his best once the race started.
The Futures Game showcases the best prospects from the minor leagues in a seven-inning exhibition game.
The Texas Rangers had two other top prospects participating: shortstop Sebastian Walcott (No. 1), pitcher and pitcher Winston Santos (No. 15)
Santos was signed in the same league for $10,000 and had an excellent season for the High-A Hickory Crawdads, posting a 6-3 record and a 2.83 ERA.
American League pitcher Emiliano Teodo (15) of the AA Frisco RoughRiders works the first inning during the minor league all-stars Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth
Santos came on in the seventh inning and gave up one unearned run on one hit, a walk and a wild pitch.
Teodo spoke after the match about the bond between him and Santos.
“He’s a workhorse, so at the end of the day we work hard together and we’re good friends,” Teodo said. “I hope he keeps working and we can reach the big leagues together one day.”
Walcott got the start at shortstop for the AL and went 0-for-2 but reached base on an error. The shortstop will also participate in the first-ever Futures Skills Showcase that immediately follows the Futures game.
The players were split between national and American teams and were coached by several Rangers greats, including Michael Young and Adrian Beltre, who would soon earn a place in the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame.
Former Texas Ranger Adrian Beltre signals to a player at second base during the minor league all-stars Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth
Young said before the game that he and Beltre wanted more than just to have fun.
“(Beltre) has already told me he’s 2-0 and he plans to be 3-0, so I don’t think any of us would do that if we didn’t want to win the game once it started,” Young said.
The scoring was opened by Cincinnati Reds prospect Cam Collier, winner of the game’s Larry Doby MVP award, who hit a solo home run in the third inning to give the NL their first lead of the game. They held on to that lead for the rest of the game, beating the AL 6-1 and thwarting Beltre’s attempt to make it three straight as manager.
National League first base coach Darren Oliver, a former Texas Rangers player, talks to an MLB employee in the dugout during the minor league all-stars’ Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, July 13, 2024. Bob Booth Bob Booth
Lawrence Dow is a digital sports reporter from Philadelphia. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from USC. He is passionate about movies and is always looking for a good book. He writes about the Texas Rangers and other sports.
