In the view of rival clubs, the Texas Rangers have a deep player-development organization.

It is so deep that the Rangers were able to include five prospects in the deal last July that brought in left-handers Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman from Philadelphia and not be drained. There is more talent in the pipeline.

What follows is a look at the top prospects in the system, among players who have not appeared in the majors. That qualification eliminates more advanced prospects such as slugger Joey Gallo and right-handers Chi Chi Gonzalez and Luke Jackson.

10. Right-hander, Jose Leclerc

Opening day age: 22

Bats-Throws: Right-Right

Height-Weight: 6-0, 165 pounds

Acquired: Signed as international free agent in December 2010. Bonus undetermined.

Notable: The Rangers moved Leclerc into the rotation with Double-A Frisco last season. The results suggested he belongs in the bullpen. Leclerc was 6-8 with a 5.77 ERA for 103 innings. He had a career walks-per-nine-innings rate of 6.35, and his strikeouts rate dropped by 30 percent to 8.56.

As a reliever in the previous two seasons, Leclerc showed remarkable stuff. He showed a 96-mph fastball, and his unusual change-up frustrated hitters. Leclerc's off-speed pitch moves more like a cutter than a change-up.

In 2013-14, Leclerc averaged 11.99 strikeouts per nine innings. His problem was getting behind in the count too often. Leclerc had a walks-per-nine rate of 4.49. If Leclerc throws more strikes, he could be a closer, if the organization puts him back into the bullpen.

2016 plan: The Rangers must decide if Leclerc is a starter or a reliever. Either way, he could have to repeat at least part of the season in the Double-A Texas League.

ETA: All-Star break 2017

Counting down the Rangers' top prospects:

No. 9: Yeyson Yrizarri, one of the top infield arms in the Rangers' system

No. 8: Jairo Beras, making up for lost time following year-long suspension

No. 7: The Yohander Mendez project, young pitcher still developing physically

No. 6: The potential leadoff-hitting, center fielder Eric Jenkins

No. 5: Ariel Jurado, a young pitcher with a rare trait

No. 4: The slow, steady rise of 2014 draft choice Luis Ortiz

No. 3: Last year's top draft pick, Dillon Tate, could be 2016's fastest riser

No. 2: Lewis Brinson, center fielder with plus power that continues to improve

No. 1: One of the closest to breaking into the big leagues, Nomar Mazara