It took three months into the 2024 MLB season, but the Texas Rangers have finally celebrated their first cycle, thanks to rookie sensation Wyatt Langford. Langford's achievement came in a dominant 11-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles and marks a significant milestone both for him and the franchise.
Langford's cycle stands out as the 11th in Rangers history and is the first since Carlos Gómez accomplished the feat in 2017. This milestone also positions Langford in a unique spot; he becomes only the second rookie in Rangers' lore to hit for the cycle, following in the footsteps of Oddibe McDowell, who achieved his cycle in 1985. Furthermore, Langford is the first rookie to hit for the cycle in MLB since Elly De La Cruz did so on June 23 of last year.
A Cycle to Remember
Langford’s remarkable performance unfolded with precision against four different Orioles pitchers. In his first at-bat, he flew out against Cole Irvin. By the fourth inning, he was seeing Irvin well, tripling off him. The fifth inning saw Langford double against Nick Vespi, followed by a single off Dillon Tate in the sixth. He put the final stamp on his cycle with a home run off Matt Krook in the eighth inning, capping a spectacular night at the plate.
Selected by Texas with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, Langford was touted as a top prospect entering the season, holding the No. 4 spot in baseball's prospect rankings. Scouts had confidence in his offensive potential long before he stepped into the professional batter's box. R.J. Anderson, among others, noted, “Scouts have felt confident giving him plus offensive projections even before he took a pro at-bat.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Langford's journey to this point has not been without its challenges. In his initial 31 games at the major league level, Langford struggled to find his footing, posting a .224/.295/.293 slash line. Compounding these difficulties, Langford suffered a hamstring strain that placed him on the injured list on May 4. After a brief stint on the IL, he made his return on May 28.
Since coming back, Langford has gradually adjusted to the major league pace, showing significant improvement. Over the 28 games following his return, he has posted a .275/.333/.422 slash line with 18 strikeouts, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in his approach at the plate.
Team Performance
Langford's impressive individual milestone occurred against the backdrop of a challenging season for the Texas Rangers. Following their victory over the Orioles, the team holds a 38-46 record. Despite the win, they remain eight games out of a wild-card spot, highlighting the uphill battle the team faces as they aim to turn their season around.
Overall, Wyatt Langford's cycle is a testament to his potential and the faith the Rangers have placed in him as a cornerstone of their future. As he continues to develop and adjust to the major leagues, Langford's journey will be one to watch closely, both for Rangers fans and baseball enthusiasts generally.