Lost in all the hoopla surrounding the All-Star Game is the always-interesting Futures Game, which falls on the Sunday prior to the Home Run Derby. This year, the Texas Rangers will have two players represent them in the Futures Game -- and one on each team. Third base prospect Mike Olt is on the U.S. Team, while Jurickson Profar, who may very well be the single best prospect in baseball, will be on the World Team.
Olt is having a phenomenal year, and will likely be at the center of trade talks if the Rangers choose to pursue Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels. Jon Daniels will likely have a difficult time surrendering Olt for a rental, even if the Rangers would be receiving an ace back in the deal.
Through July 3, Olt is hitting .302/.409/.597 with 22 home runs in just 278 at bats. Olt has drawn 48 walks and struck out 81 times as well.
Though he's blocked at third, the Rangers might be able to use him at first base -- which would give Texas a bit more leverage in trade talks.
As for Profar, well, there's not really enough superlatives for him. At just 19 years of age, Profar is hitting .293/.371/.479 in AA. Just think about that.
Profar is showing pretty good power, as evidenced by his slugging percentage. He's socked nine homers, 18 doubles and six triples so far this year, and has drawn 39 walks against just 49 strikeouts.
Again, he's 19. And he's probably the best prospect in baseball. And there's also no way he will be traded.
So, if you're a Rangers fan and you were looking for a reason to watch the Futures Game on Sunday, there you have it. You'll get to see two of the very best Rangers prospects, who just happen to be two of the very best prospects in baseball.