Unheralded Rangers prospect Paxton Kling’s strong season has bled over into AFL showcase

Texas Rangers outfield prospect Paxton Kling is drawing attention after following up a strong minor-league season with a standout start in the Arizona Fall League. Kling, ranked as Texas' No. 20 prospect, posted a .383 on-base percentage and stole 40 bases across 89 minor-league games in 2026 before slashing .467/.579/.667 with eight RBI and four stolen bases across his first three AFL contests.

Selected by the Rangers in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Penn State, Kling signed for an over-slot $375,000 bonus. Writer Jackson Kruse highlights that while Kling hit only seven home runs in 2026, his elite speed, strong arm, and high on-base percentage make him a promising talent projected by MLB Pipeline to potentially reach the majors in 2028.