Surprise, AZ is the spring training home of the World Series Champions, the Texas Rangers. Fresh off a championship last season, there is still plenty of talent in the pipeline. The biggest star might be former Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford, who is pushing to make the Opening Day roster.
Langford built his case a little bit more on Saturday, hitting his second home run of spring training. Facing the Chicago White Shox, Langford blasted one into the left field bullpen and just saw it clear the fence.
This marks Langford’s second homer of spring training. His power is a huge reason why Texas drafted him fourth overall last summer and the results are already showing. General manager Chris Young will have a decision to make when the team breaks camp.
You can watch the full play from Langford here.
Langford stepped into the box for his next plate appearance and you’ll never guess — he hit another home run. This one was more of a no-doubter, flying over the left-center field wall with ease. Even the fans sitting on the lawn watched the ball go over their heads.
Just a great day for the second-year player and insane production from somebody who was in a Florida Gators uniform less than 12 months ago.
Wyatt Langford pushing to make Texas Rangers Opening Day roster
Langford drove in another runner while rounding the bases, bringing another SEC product home with him. Former Mississippi State infielder Justin Foscue had singled in the at-bat ahead of Langford, a nice SEC combination for the Rangers.
Both guys are thought to be primed to make their Major League debut at some point in 2024. Yes, it might only be spring training but producing at this level, especially for Langford, is something the Rangers will be happy with less than a month away from Opening Day.
Texas is currently trying to figure out who will be the team’s designated hitter to begin the season. Mitch Garver played the role well down the stretch in 2023 but left this offseason in free agency to an AL West division rival, the Seattle Mariners.
Langford might have pulled into the lead to ultimately win the job, a potentially incredible accomplishment after being drafted this past summer. Rarely do you see a player called up one year later but Langford is currently proving to be a different type of talent.
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