Sebastian Walcott Aims To Be Baseball’s Next Star From The Bahamas
Image credit: (Photo by Bill Mitchell)
Rangers prospect Sebastian Walcott has swung his way onto the prospect map. Now, he’s trying to get the Bahamas on the baseball globe.
“Coming from the Bahamas, there aren’t a lot of minor leaguers,” Walcott said. “I have to make sure I represent us the best way possible on and off the field.”
The country with a population of just over 400,000 people has produced professional baseball players, just not at a high volume. Nine Bahamians have made it to the majors, from Ormond Sampson in 1932 to Jazz Chisholm’s ascension with the Marlins.
In 2025, perhaps no Bahamian player–and certainly no minor leaguer–carries more hype than Walcott. He ranks as Baseball America’s No. 21 prospect. And with the attitude he’s bringing into the new campaign, it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s a candidate to be the game’s next top prospect.
“I’m trying to dominate,” Walcott said. “I’m trying to play my game and not worry so much about callups or anything like that. I’m trying to dominate every day and remain consistent.”
Standing at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Walcott’s frame stands out on the baseball diamond, but also wouldn’t look out of place on the gridiron. At just 19 years old, there is still plenty of room for Walcott to develop his body before he even reaches his twenties.
Walcott signed with the Rangers for $3 million a few months shy of his 17th birthday in 2023. Even then, he oozed raw potential, with exit velocities up to 105 mph to go with his quick bat speed with developing defense.
Since then, Walcott has shown his talent is legit. His 106.4 mph 90th percentile exit velocity was third-best in the Ranger system last year. He has also battled adversity.
After a rocky start at High-A last season, he made mental adjustments to the plate that saw him reap the benefits. Despite being the youngest player to begin the season in the South Atlantic League, he finished leading in multiple categories: extra-base hits (50) and triples (nine).
Rangers Double-A manager Carlos Cardoza’s excitement couldn’t be held back when he saw Walcott for the first time late last season. He only got to see Walcott for five games in Frisco, but with the shortstop starting the year in Double-A, he’ll get to see his raw skill set up close.
“For any player as young as he is, let alone the physical maturity Sebastian has, it’s about learning what his body needs on a day-to-day basis,” Cardoza said. “Establishing routines is going to be the baseline of what he does every day.
“His physicality is certainly noticeable but it’s what he does to continue to work on to refine his talent skills that is going to be a difference maker for him.”
The Rangers invited Walcott to spring training and placed his locker adjacent to second baseman Marcus Semien. Walcott took advantage of learning from the three-time all-star and 2023 World Series champion
“Watching him every day was amazing,” Walcott said. “He really embedded consistency into everything he did. When it comes to working out or on the field, he does it all the right way. You see why he’s had so much success, because he’s been consistent for such a long time.
“I want to apply that to my season.”
As Walcott prepares for his biggest season yet, he knows that every swing, every play and every moment on the field is bigger than just his personal growth. It’s a chance to inspire the next wave of talent from the Bahamas.
“I have to make sure I’m doing the right things and try to give us the best opportunities possible.”
