Kling

Paxton Kling, a graduate of Central High School who also played baseball collegiately at both LSU and Penn State, has begun the 2026 season as a member of the Texas Rangers High-A baseball team in their Minor League system.

Kling, who was drafted in the seventh round last season, went to camp with the Rangers this past February. He got to play in one game, a 22-4 win over the San Diego Padres, in which he went 2-for-3 with two singles, a run scored and a strikeout. He also played five innings in center field.

When camp broke, he was assigned to the Hub City Spartanburgers in South Carolina, where he played at the end of last season after starting the year in rookie ball in Arizona. If he ends up being promoted, he would play for Frisco in Texas, the Double-A home of the Rangers. Their Triple-A team is in Round Rock, also in Texas.

Last year at Hub City, he batted .301 with 25 hits in 83 at bats. He had one home run with seven RBIs and three runs scored to go with two stolen bases. His OBP was .355 and his OPS was .801.

He is listed as the Rangers 21st best prospect in their recent release of their top 30 minor leaguers in the organization.

Kling’s team opens the season at home against the Frederick Keys this Friday at 7:05 p.m. Hub City competes in the South Atlantic League.