Texas Rangers score absolute steal in draft: Wyatt Langford
By Reid Hanson
The Texas Rangers were sure to have a successful draft over the weekend. In one of the most top-heavy drafts of the decade, the 2023 MLB draft featured at least four players who in any other year could be considered the best of the class.
Picking fourth, the Texas Rangers were sure to get superstar, the only question was which superstar.
For weeks, rumors circulated about who they were targeting and how they would adapt if a certain unexpected player fell into their laps. Max Clark and Walker Jenkins were the names which came up most often. Both were considered can’t miss outfielders who offered tremendous upside.
Wyatt Langford wasn’t supposed to fall to the Texas Rangers at four, but when he did, they pounced, solidifying the future of their outfield.
Ranking No. 2 on Keith Law’s big board, Langford was just narrowly edged out by Law’s No. 1 prospect, Dylan Crews. Langford is the better hitter with better speed, but Crews’ experience and field play gave him the edge.
Again, this is an All-Star draft class. To be No. 2 means he could very well rank as the second best draft prosect in years. The timing and luck of the Rangers getting this with the fourth pick cannot be understated.
Langford is a true five-tool prospect even if his glove in the outfield still needs development. He has a strong arm and all the traits that make that more of a likelihood than a possibility.
At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Langford is large human. He hits for average and he hits for power. He’s closer to the bigs than most prospects and won’t take long before he’s an impact player in Arlington. The Rangers made tremendous strides this season in their ascension to contender status and Langford should help them remain there for years to come.
They had a need in the outfield and addressed it, matching Langford with Evan Carter for the outfield of the future.
Langford’s slash line of .373/.498/.784/1.282 in the SEC shows how developed of a hitter he is and that it won’t be long before Langford makes an appearance in Arlington.
How happy are Rangers fans with this pick?
- Published on 07/10/2023 at 16:01 PM
- Last updated at 07/10/2023 at 16:01 PM