Wyatt Langford Shines with Cycle as Rangers Dominate Orioles
Three months into the 2024 MLB season, the Texas Rangers have something significant to celebrate. On a memorable night against the Baltimore Orioles, rookie sensation Wyatt Langford etched his name into the annals of franchise history by hitting for the cycle.
Not only did Langford’s stellar performance contribute to the Rangers' commanding 11-2 victory over the Orioles, but it also marked a notable milestone for both the player and the team. Langford’s cycle, achieved by hitting off four different Orioles pitchers, stands out as the 11th in the Rangers' franchise history and the first since Carlos Gómez accomplished the feat in 2017.
Langford’s path to this milestone began with a less-than-ideal start, flying out in his first at-bat against Baltimore's Cole Irvin. However, by the fourth inning, he found his rhythm, tripling off Irvin. The momentum continued in the fifth inning when he doubled against Nick Vespi. A single in the sixth inning against Dillon Tate inched him closer, setting the stage for the eighth inning, where he capped his remarkable night with a home run off Matt Krook.
This achievement places Langford alongside Oddibe McDowell as the only rookies in franchise history to hit for the cycle. McDowell first accomplished this back in 1985. Additionally, Langford’s accomplishment makes him the first rookie to hit for the cycle since Elly De La Cruz did so on June 23 of the previous year.
For the Texas Rangers, whose record improved to 38-46 following Sunday’s win, Langford’s performance was a much-needed highlight. The team now sits eight games out of a wild-card spot, but Langford’s development offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
Selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, Langford entered the season with high expectations, ranked as the No. 4 prospect in baseball. Despite a rocky start at the major league level, marked by a .224/.295/.293 slash line through his first 31 games, Langford's potential was evident. Scouts have long felt confident in giving him solid offensive projections, even before he took a professional at-bat.
However, Langford’s journey hasn't been without its hurdles. A hamstring strain landed him on the injured list on May 4, temporarily stalling his rookie season. But since returning on May 28, Langford has shown resilience and growth. In the 28 games following his return, he has batted .275/.333/.422 with 18 strikeouts, showcasing a significant improvement in his form and consistency.
Langford's breakthrough has undoubtedly invigorated the team and its fan base, providing a much-needed morale boost. As the Rangers navigate the remainder of the season, Langford’s performance serves as a testament to his potential and resilience. With his name now etched in the Rangers' history books, his future in Major League Baseball looks promising.