Even as snow and ice blanket much of the United States, the promise of spring is just around the corner and that means it’s nearly time for Major League Baseball Spring Training set to open next month.
The Texas Rangers are getting ready and have extended invitations to 10 minor-league players who may have a shot at making a big-league roster. Among the invitees is last June’s first-round draft prospect Wyatt Langford. Langford is considered one of the top-five prospects in the country after spending last season playing at the Triple-A level.
“This Langford kid, I’ve already had the chance [to see him]. He’s special. Every step of the way, he just kept putting up those numbers. He’ll come into spring training. We’re going to stay open-minded,” Ranger manager Bruce Bochy said of the 22-year-old.
Langford was ranked the No. 4 overall player in minor league baseball by CBS Sports following his rookie season. He played across four levels, batting .360/.480/.677 with 10 home runs. The speedy left fielder/centerfielder/catcher also recorded 12 stolen bases.
Joining Langford will be the No. 2 overall 2021 pick, right-hand pitcher Jack Leiter has also earned an invite. Leiter offers plenty of upside for the Rangers as the team looks to improve the bullpen. Leiter struggled in his first season in the minors but could show enough improvement in the offseason to regain his high-draft status.
Leiter played in just three Triple-A games, surrendering three runs on eight hits in just 3 1/3 innings for an ERA of 8.10.
“He is not a finished product. There was real improvement, and I think it was evident in his strike throwing,” Development List general manager Chris Young said. “He’s worked so hard and he’s earned the opportunity to be back out there with his work ethic and commitment. But that said, it’s going to continue to grow and I think we saw a glimpse of progress in terms of what he can grow into.”
Also invited to Spring Training are prospects First baseman Blaine Crim, right-hander Daniel Robert, right-hander Emiliano Teodo, catcher Liam Hicks, infielder Davis Wendzel, left-hander Grant Wolfram, first baseman Abimelec Ortiz and outfielder Aaron Zavala.