The MLB Draft season is heating up, and Baseball America has just released their latest mock draft — V.3.0 — giving fans plenty to talk about as we look ahead to the 2026 class. This year's projections are already stirring up some surprises, especially for the Texas Rangers, who hold the 16th overall pick.

In this new mock, the Rangers are predicted to select right-handed pitcher Cameron Flukey out of Coastal Carolina. That's a name that might raise a few eyebrows, considering Flukey was previously seen as a top-tier talent likely to go much higher. Baseball America ranks him at #7 on their draft board, while MLB Pipeline slots him at #13. So why the potential drop to #16? It all comes down to health.

Flukey was sidelined earlier this season with a rib issue — described as a strain by Baseball America and a stress fracture by MLB Pipeline — and he's struggled to find his rhythm since returning to the mound. Despite the setback, Flukey brings a four-pitch mix and a quality fastball that he commands well, making him a pitcher who could move quickly through the minor leagues. For a team like the Rangers, who have leaned into drafting college pitchers with injury histories in recent years, Flukey could be a perfect fit.

But the mock drafts aren't all in agreement. Keith Law's latest projection, released last week, has the Rangers taking Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron at #16, though he also mentions Flukey as a possibility — ultimately mocking him to the Astros at #17 and marveling that a talent like Flukey might fall that far. Jim Callis, in his mock draft from Friday, also has Texas selecting Lebron. The Alabama standout profiles as a toolsy, true shortstop with four potential plus tools and is currently ranked #5 on the MLB Pipeline board. However, questions linger about his hit tool, and he's slashing just .266/.386/.516 this season — albeit with an impressive 36 stolen bases in 37 attempts.

Given the Rangers' recent draft strategy, which has moved away from tool-heavy players with questionable hit tools, Lebron would be a bit of a surprise. College arms with injury concerns, on the other hand, have become Texas's specialty. If Flukey's rib issue causes him to slide, he could be exactly the kind of high-upside, fast-moving pitcher the Rangers love to add to their system. As draft day approaches, all eyes will be on how the board falls — and whether the Rangers stick with the trend or make a bold new move.