It took three months, but the Texas Rangers have celebrated their first cycle of the 2024 MLB season. Rookie sensation Wyatt Langford marked this milestone against the Baltimore Orioles, leading the Rangers to a dominating 11-2 victory.
A Historic Achievement
Langford's remarkable performance stands out as the 11th cycle in franchise history, and it's the first since Carlos Gómez's milestone in 2017. Furthermore, Langford joins Oddibe McDowell as the second rookie in Rangers’ history to complete a cycle; McDowell achieved his in 1985. Adding to the significance, Langford is the first rookie across the MLB to hit for the cycle since Elly De La Cruz did so on June 23 of the previous year.
A Dominant Display
Langford's path to the cycle was a testament to his versatility and skill at the plate. After an initial fly out against Cole Irvin, Langford tripled off Irvin in the fourth inning. He then doubled against Nick Vespi in the fifth, singled against Dillon Tate in the sixth, and capped his performance with a majestic home run off Matt Krook in the eighth inning. Notably, Langford's cycle was achieved by hitting off four different Orioles pitchers, underscoring his adaptability and composure.
A Promising Prospect
The Texas Rangers selected Langford with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, and he entered the season as the No. 4 prospect in all of baseball. Despite his initial struggles at the major league level, hitting just .224/.295/.293 through his first 31 games, Langford's talent was never in question. “Scouts have felt confident giving him plus offensive projections even before he took a pro at-bat,” said R.J. Anderson, reflecting broad confidence in Langford’s potential.
Langford’s early season was marred by a hamstring strain that landed him on the injured list on May 4. However, he returned on May 28 and quickly began to find his rhythm. In the 28 games since his return, Langford batted .275/.333/.422, striking out only 18 times – a sign of his growing adjustment to major league pitching.
Team Dynamics
Sunday’s victory, powered by Langford's historic cycle, brought the Rangers’ record to 38-46. While still eight games out of a wild-card spot, the win against the Orioles is a reminder of the potential this youthful team holds. Langford's performance is particularly promising for a team looking to build a foundation for future success.
As the Rangers continue their season, Wyatt Langford’s cycle stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the franchise's faith in its young talent. His achievement is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of the potential within this roster, signaling that the future might be brighter than the current standings suggest.