Dalton Pence’s Breakout Campaign
At 23 years old, Dalton Pence is already carving out a name in the Texas Rangers' Double‑A rotation. Selected in the eleventh round of the 2024 draft, he signed for a bonus that mirrored a fifth‑round pick, a testament to the team's confidence in his upside. After a stint as a multi‑inning reliever in Single‑A, Pence transitioned to a starter in High‑A, where he quickly proved his mettle.
His 2025 campaign in High‑A was nothing short of dominant, posting a 1.55 ERA, a 2.23 FIP and a 3.32 xFIP across 46.1 innings. The numbers suggested a pitcher who could miss bats while keeping runs off the board, traits that bode well for future levels of competition.
Stats That Speak Volumes
Moving up to Double‑A in 2026, Pence has maintained a 2.53 ERA and a 3.02 FIP, underpinned by a strikeout rate of 24.4% and a walk rate of just 5.8%. His fastball sits in the low 90s, averaging 91‑93 mph, and generates roughly 20 inches of induced vertical break, giving hitters a tough time squaring him up. The combination of velocity, movement and command has turned him into a reliable multi‑inning arm.
Scouts have noted that Pence leans heavily on his fastball, which raises questions about his long‑term viability as he climbs to Triple‑A and beyond. Still, the early returns are encouraging, and the risk appears minimal given his current draft position and projected role.
Fantasy Implications
For dynasty league owners, Pence represents a high‑upside, low‑cost acquisition. In leagues that roster 300 or more prospects, a modest FAAB bid of zero to five percent can secure his rights, especially when the waiver wire is crowded with similar arms. His recent performance suggests he could become a staple in the starting rotation, delivering steady strikeouts and low ERAs.
A Look Back at Recent Picks
Pence joins a short list of recent recommendations that have paid off, including Gabriel Rincones Jr., Cristian Arguelles and Juan Matheus. Each of those players has shown a similar trajectory of rapid ascent, and Pence's early success adds another name to that growing roster of undervalued assets.