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Texas Rangers Third Baseman Josh Jung Soars in Rookie Power Rankings

Third baseman Josh Jung finished off one of the most impressive months ever for a Texas Rangers rookie.

Not only did Josh Jung show off his power with his first career grand slam Sunday, but the Texas Rangers third baseman made a significant climb in MLB.com’s Rookie Power Rankings.

Jung is up to No. 5 on the list, up from eighth in the first edition of the rankings.

Per MLB.com:

Jung received high marks going back to college for his polish at the plate, his ability to get the bat on the ball. His power was less of a sure thing. But during his brief stint in the Minors, his slugging percentage climbed at every level, and he’s rapped seven extra-base hits in the last 13 games. If the power continues to play, he’ll continue to show up in the top half of this list.

Jung ended April in grand fashion, going deep with the bases loaded in the 15-2 rout of the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. The first-inning blast to right gave the Rangers a 4-0 lead and they never looked back.

Jung compiled a career high-tying five RBI, adding to his total with a bases-loaded walk in the sixth. His grand slam was the first by a Texas third baseman since Adrián Beltré in 2016 and the first by a Rangers rookie since Adolis García in 2021.

Jung is batting .270/.324/.500/.820 (27-100) with six homers, five doubles and 21 RBI over 26 games. His home run and RBI totals are the most ever by a Texas rookie before the end of April.

The American League West-leading Rangers (17-11) resume play Tuesday night with the start of a two-game interleague series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll leads the Rookie Power Rankings.  

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