The Texas Rangers have made an exciting announcement regarding their upcoming spring training, revealing that outfielder Wyatt Langford and right-handed pitcher Jack Leiter will be among the internal players invited to participate. This news has generated considerable buzz, as both players are highly regarded within the organization.
At just 22 years old, Langford has experienced a rapid ascent through the ranks since being drafted last summer. Throughout his professional career, he has showcased an impressive skill set, boasting a.360 batting average, 10 home runs, 19 extra-base hits, and 12 stolen bases across four levels in 44 games. What sets Langford apart is his ability to draw walks and minimize strikeouts, an attribute that has caught the attention of experts. In fact, CBS Sports has ranked him as the fourth-best player in all of the minor leagues, a testament to his immense talent.
Although Langford possesses an unorthodox swing, his offensive potential and surprising speed have been evident on the field. While initially there were expectations that he might make his major league debut as a center fielder, it is now more likely that he will have to vie for a roster spot in a different outfield position. Nevertheless, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy has expressed confidence in Langford’s abilities and stated that he will have a genuine opportunity to earn a place on the Opening Day roster, indicating the organization’s belief in his potential impact.
On the other hand, Jack Leiter, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, has faced some challenges in meeting the lofty expectations set for him on draft night. His performance as a professional has fallen below par, as evidenced by a 5.37 ERA and a 2.12 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 appearances. Despite these struggles, Leiter did receive a brief call-up to the Triple-A level towards the end of last season, suggesting that the Rangers’ decision to invite him to spring training will not hinder his development. During his limited time at Triple-A, he surrendered three runs on eight hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings, demonstrating both room for growth and the opportunity to learn from higher-level competition.
As spring training approaches, the inclusion of Wyatt Langford and Jack Leiter among the internal invitees has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. All eyes will be on these talented individuals as they vie for roster spots and seek to make their mark in the upcoming season. The Rangers’ decision to give Langford and Leiter this opportunity speaks volumes about their potential and the confidence the organization has in their abilities to contribute at the major league level.
