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Rangers Top Prospect Sebastian Walcott Tears UCL, Set for Elbow Surgery

The 19-year-old’s timeline likely shifts to a 2027 MLB debut.

Overview

  • President of baseball operations Chris Young said diagnostics confirmed a right elbow UCL tear and that Walcott will have surgery following evaluation by Dr. Keith Meister.
  • It has not been decided whether he will undergo a full Tommy John reconstruction or an internal-brace repair, a choice that will drive the length of his rehab.
  • The Rangers expect Walcott to miss most or all of the 2026 season, with any late-year return viewed as possible for a position player but uncertain.
  • Walcott was shut down after one Arizona Fall League game in 2025 with arm fatigue and reported renewed soreness early this spring, prompting further imaging.
  • MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 overall prospect posted a .255/.355/.386 line with 13 homers and 32 steals at Double-A in 2025 and had been slated for a Triple-A start in 2026.