Signed for just $150,000 two J2 classes ago, the tall lanky 18-year old Venezuelan is raw but has enough upside to get the last spot in the top 30.
Raul Rangel
Pos: RHP
Bats: R
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 18
2021 Level: FCL
Pitches (current/future value)
Fastball: 40/65
Change: 40/55
Slider: 40/55
Command: 30/45
| Season | Team | Level | Age | H/9 | HR/9 | BB/9 | K/9 | K/BB | ERA | FIP | WHIP | AVG | BABIP | LD% | GB% | FB% |
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 18 | 12.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 9.00 | 9.15 | 2.00 | .308 | .300 | 18.2% | 27.3% | 54.5% |
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 18 | 7.9 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 11.7 | 6.1 | 2.73 | 3.54 | 1.09 | .227 | .317 | 18.9% | 52.7% | 28.4% |
Most Likely Future Role: Too early
Ceiling: Too early
What we know: As a 16-year old beanpole out of Venezuela, Rangel was pitching in the mid-80s but as the sighing period got closer is started to creep towards touching the low 90s so the Orioles were able to get him for a $150,000 signing bonus during the 2020 J2 sighing class. After missing a year with everyone else, the Orioles thought enough of the now 18-year old, 6-foot-3, 160 pounder to start his pro career in the Florida Complex League and he quickly became on of the Orioles best pitchers down there.
Now pitch in the 92-93 MPH range, Rangel can now touch the mid-90s and with a lot of room to put on weight and strength, there’s most likely more velocity to come. Rangel’s not just a thrower either as he’s shown a changeup with good fade and drop that can get swings and misses from left-handers and a nice slider.
Despite being one of the younger pitchers in the league, held batters to a .237/.289/.403/.692 slash line with a 11.3 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9.
What we don’t know: Like most young pitchers at this stage, he’s got more control than command at this point so that will be something to watch. He never pitched more than four innings so it’s unknown how his stuff will hold up over 75+ pitches.
What we think: Raul is a lottery ticket but outside of Jean Pinto, he’s got the most upside of anyone who pitched in Low-A and below for the Orioles. The Orioles will have him in a strength and conditioning program but there’s a chance he could be a guy who pitches in the mid-90s or higher when he grows into his man strength.