Langford's Historic Cycle Shines in Rangers' Dominant Victory
It took three months, but the Texas Rangers have celebrated their first cycle of the 2024 MLB season, and the milestone belonged to none other than rookie sensation Wyatt Langford. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Rangers' emphatic 11-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, marking a significant moment for Langford and the franchise.
For the Rangers, Langford's cycle represents the 11th in their history and the first since Carlos Gómez's feat in 2017. Langford also joins a unique company, becoming only the second rookie in franchise history to achieve a cycle, following in the footsteps of Oddibe McDowell, who did so back in 1985. This accomplishment further heightens Langford's burgeoning reputation, particularly as he becomes the first rookie to hit for the cycle since Elly De La Cruz did so on June 23 of the previous year.
Langford's cycle was a testament to his versatility at the plate, as it included hitting off four different Orioles pitchers. The young outfielder had an inauspicious start, flying out in his first at-bat against Cole Irvin. However, by the fourth inning, he had tripled off Irvin, igniting the spark for his historic performance.
In the fifth inning, Langford continued his hot streak by doubling against Nick Vespi. The sixth inning saw him singling against Dillon Tate, putting him just a home run away from completing the cycle. He did not disappoint, capping off his stellar performance with a home run off Matt Krook in the eighth inning, sealing his place in Rangers' history.
Langford's journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Selected by Texas with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, Langford entered the season as the No. 4 prospect in baseball. Despite the high expectations, he initially struggled at the major league level, putting up a .224/.295/.293 slash line over his first 31 games. His difficulties were compounded by a hamstring strain that landed him on the injured list on May 4.
Since returning on May 28, Langford has shown significant improvement. In the 28 games following his return, he batted .275/.333/.422 with 18 strikeouts, indicating a clear upward trajectory. Scouts had anticipated his potential long before he took a professional at-bat, with R.J. Anderson noting, "Scouts have felt confident giving him plus offensive projections even before he took a pro at-bat."
Despite Langford's individual success, the Rangers have faced a challenging season. Following Sunday's win, the team holds a 38-46 record, sitting eight games out of a wild-card spot. Nevertheless, Langford's recent performance offers a beacon of hope as the Rangers look to capitalize on their young talent moving forward.
Langford's achievement is not merely a personal milestone but a symbolic moment for the Rangers. It underscores the potential of their young core and the promise of better days ahead. As Langford continues to develop, the Rangers and their fans have much to be optimistic about in the seasons to come.