Ranking The Texas Rangers’ Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

In 2015, many dismissed the Texas Rangers before the season even began. After all, they were coming off of a season in which they posted an AL-worst record of 67-95 and lost Yu Darvish for the year back in Spring Training. However, the Rangers were one of MLB's surprises in 2015, battling their way to an AL West title. The future is looking bright down in Arlington, and here are the Rangers' top five prospects heading into next season.

5. Yohander Mendez, LHP

Through 21 games (eight starts) in Class A Hickory last season, left-hander Yohander Mendez went 3-3 with a 2.44 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and an impressive 10.04 K/9. The soon-to-be 21-year-old was recently added to the Rangers' 40-man roster.

5. Yohander Mendez, LHP

Through 21 games (eight starts) in Class A Hickory last season, left-hander Yohander Mendez went 3-3 with a 2.44 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and an impressive 10.04 K/9. The soon-to-be 21-year-old was recently added to the Rangers' 40-man roster.

4. Lewis Brinson, OF

Through 100 games across three levels of the minor leagues last season, Lewis Brinson had a serious breakout, slashing .332/.403/.601 with 20 homers, 69 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. With that type of combination of speed and power, Brinson, who was drafted in the first round (29th overall) in the 2012 MLB draft, will certainly be a fun player to watch going forward.

4. Lewis Brinson, OF

Through 100 games across three levels of the minor leagues last season, Lewis Brinson had a serious breakout, slashing .332/.403/.601 with 20 homers, 69 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. With that type of combination of speed and power, Brinson, who was drafted in the first round (29th overall) in the 2012 MLB draft, will certainly be a fun player to watch going forward.

3. Luis Ortiz, RHP

Taken by the Rangers in the first round (30th overall) of the 2014 MLB draft, Luis Ortiz has done nothing but impress thus far. Through 13 starts in Hickory this past season, Ortiz went 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and a 8.28 K/9. Having just turned 20 years old, Ortiz should have a very bright future ahead of him.

3. Luis Ortiz, RHP

Taken by the Rangers in the first round (30th overall) of the 2014 MLB draft, Luis Ortiz has done nothing but impress thus far. Through 13 starts in Hickory this past season, Ortiz went 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and a 8.28 K/9. Having just turned 20 years old, Ortiz should have a very bright future ahead of him.

2. Nomar Mazara, OF

Through a combined 131 games in Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock last season, outfield prospect Nomar Mazara hit .296/.366/.443 with 14 homers and 69 RBIs. Still only 20 years old, Mazara is believed to have plenty of thunder in his left-handed bat, giving him the potential to develop into a big-time run producer. He was recently added to the Rangers' 40-man roster as well.

2. Nomar Mazara, OF

Through a combined 131 games in Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock last season, outfield prospect Nomar Mazara hit .296/.366/.443 with 14 homers and 69 RBIs. Still only 20 years old, Mazara is believed to have plenty of thunder in his left-handed bat, giving him the potential to develop into a big-time run producer. He was recently added to the Rangers' 40-man roster as well.

1. Joey Gallo, 3B/OF

Drafted by the Rangers in the first round (39th overall) in the 2012 MLB draft, Joey Gallo has had two 40-plus homer seasons at the minor league level. He spent time with the big league club this season, hitting .204/.301/.417 with six homers across 36 games. Still only 22 years of age, it should be safe to say that the best of Gallo is yet to come.

1. Joey Gallo, 3B/OF

Drafted by the Rangers in the first round (39th overall) in the 2012 MLB draft, Joey Gallo has had two 40-plus homer seasons at the minor league level. He spent time with the big league club this season, hitting .204/.301/.417 with six homers across 36 games. Still only 22 years of age, it should be safe to say that the best of Gallo is yet to come.