'Whole new mindset this year': Walcott, 19, delivers career night at Double-A

On Friday night, Sebastian Walcott gave Rangers fans a glimpse of what the future could look like -- loud contact, big moments and a whole lot of game-changing potential.

The 19-year-old shortstop and Rangers No. 1 prospect delivered the best performance of his young career, launching his first professional multihomer game to power Double-A Frisco to a 7-1 win over Amarillo at HODGETOWN.

Walcott wasted no time getting started, belting a leadoff home run in the top of the first inning. Then in the sixth, with two runners on, he delivered again -- this time a no-doubt three-run shot that gave the RoughRiders all the breathing room they needed.

“Just a simple approach at the plate,” Walcott said postgame. “That was the main thing throughout the whole game. The homers came, and I’m very grateful, but I think just staying locked in every at-bat was key.”

Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 overall prospect, Walcott has hit eight home runs this season, evidence that the elite raw power scouts rave about is beginning to turn into in-game production. His OPS sits above .800, and he’s showing improvements in both plate discipline and power consistency in his first full Double-A season, made all the more impressive by the fact he's more than five years younger than the average Texas League player.

But for Walcott, the biggest changes may be happening above the shoulders. After a full year of experience in full-season ball, the Bahamian shortstop credits his process as what is allowing him to thrive.

“It’s definitely a mental game,” he said. “Being more prepared, having a happy mind before games and just having fun -- that’s been the difference. A whole new mindset this year.”

As the youngest regular at the Double-A level, Walcott continues to show maturity beyond his age -- and a ceiling that has Rangers fans excited. If Friday night was any indication, there are many more fireworks to come.