Get ready for a bold prediction: Kohl Drake, the consensus top pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks' farm system, could be the team's dark horse for the 2026 season. But here's the catch - he hasn't even made an appearance for the D-backs yet!
Let's dive into why this is a fascinating prospect. Drake's journey began with the Texas Rangers, who drafted him in the 11th round back in 2022. Since then, he's made quite the impression. Starting his pro career in 2023, he faced some early challenges, posting an ERA of 6.36 across 46.2 innings. However, 2024 saw a remarkable turnaround. Drake dominated at three different levels in the Texas system, showcasing his skills in A-ball and Double-A. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was impressive, especially at the lower levels, and he maintained a solid K/9 rate in Double-A.
The real test came when he was promoted to Triple-A in July 2025. The Pacific Coast League (PCL) is notoriously unforgiving, and Drake struggled initially, with an ERA of 9.18 in 16.2 innings. However, there's a potential silver lining to this story. Drake's season ended prematurely due to a shoulder sprain, which could explain his struggles. The good news? He's expected to be fully recovered for the upcoming season, and his addition to the 40-man roster protects him from the Rule 5 draft, a significant advantage over other prospects.
And here's where it gets controversial... MLB Pipeline suggests that Drake's size and short arm action provide deception, and if he can get advanced hitters to chase his curveball and changeup, he could be a solid No. 4 starter. But with the D-backs' current rotation locked in for the next few years, will there be room for Drake to shine?
The Diamondbacks have a solid core with Corbin Burnes, Brandon Pfaadt, Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson, and Eduardo Rodriguez. While health is always a concern, it seems like Drake and other candidates will need to fight for their spot in the rotation over the next couple of years.
So, what do you think? Is Kohl Drake the dark horse the D-backs need, or will he face an uphill battle to secure a starting role? Let's discuss in the comments!
