Johnson City native drafted by the Texas Rangers

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) – Johnson City native Josh Owens was drafted 84th in the third round of the MLB draft by the Texas Rangers on Sunday.

Head coach of the Providence Academy baseball team and former MLB player, Jeff Reed, described Owens as a self-starter. Owens started at Providence as a shortstop, but was moved around to play second base and pitcher in his varsity last year.

Reed said Owens’ potential really shone in his junior year.

“His junior year, he really worked hard,” Reed said. “Really matured as a young man and really had a great year. And then this past year, he had an unbelievable year, and it seemed like every game we played there was at least three or four pro teams watching him, sometimes it was like 12.”

Owens was drafted just after he graduated from Providence Academy in May. Reed said that kind of accomplishment is rare, but beneficial.

“A 17 or 18-year-old kid, it’s very rare,” Reed said. “But it’s a blessing, because if you do start in pro ball, you’re going to get a few more years to show what you can do.”

Reed also added that Owens’ name was put on the map when he joined Team USA in 2024, where he played six games and spun five shutout innings to earn a win against Puerto Rico in the semifinal round.

“Once he got a bit of the strength built in that game, he just went wild,” Reed said. “He started driving some balls to the left side. He started driving some balls on the left field. We all look at each other and go, ‘this boy can be special.’ He’s a great ballplayer, but he’s a greater person.”

According to Reed, Owens has not yet decided whether or not he will play for Georgia Southern or if he will sign with the Rangers and go to the minor leagues. Whatever the case, Reed said either decision is a win-win.

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Johnson City native drafted by the Texas Rangers

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