The Sunday Read: How Josh Jung added professionalism to his Texas Rangers prospect package

(Frisco RoughRiders/Zach Del Bello)

At this moment, even as he is stuck in the COVID-19 protocols, there is little doubt that Josh Jung is going to be a major-leaguer.

When that happens is in doubt, though he should be the Texas Rangers’ starting third baseman no later than early next season. It could happen before this season ends.

He’s doing everything the Rangers have asked of him at Double A Frisco, where he was batting .307 in 166 at-bats entering Sunday. He had popped 10 home runs, driven in 40 runs, and had a .914 OPS.

Not bad for a player whose season started six weeks late after having surgery on his left foot in March.

That unexpected downtime could be what sinks his shot at his MLB debut this season. But he might also look back on it one day as a turning point in his career.

Jung, who entered the season as the Rangers’ top prospect, mapped out the kind of professional ballplayer he was going to be.