“At the onset of spring training, Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux reentered the team’s clubhouse following an observation of a live batting practice session and announced. “I just saw the best player on the field.”

The group of coaches and various personnel became attentive. Despite the Rangers arriving at the camp as World Series champions, there were doubts about their starting pitching depth. They were optimistic that Maddux, a seasoned coach with 20 years of experience, had discovered a new standout talent on the pitching mound.

“Wyatt Langford,” Maddux said.

Langford doesn’t fit the pitcher mold; he’s a powerful outfielder standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 225 pounds. However, Maddux’s swift interest in Langford, despite his role as a pitching coach, hinted at the possibility that the defending champions’ offense could see further enhancement this season.

Internally, Maddux’s inclination towards Langford didn’t surprise anyone. Selected by Texas as the fourth overall pick in the competitive 2023 draft, Langford, now 22, showcased his prowess over two months across four minor league levels, boasting impressive stats with a .360 batting average, .480 on-base percentage, and .677 slugging percentage, along with 10 home runs in 200 plate appearances. According to Texas general manager Chris Young, Langford entered spring training with a genuine chance to secure a spot on the team, with only the exceptional outfield lineup of the Rangers standing between him and a regular role in the big leagues.

“I know if I do what I can do,” Langford said, “they’ll give me the opportunity to showcase that.”

Langford’s impressive right-handed swing caught the attention of the Rangers, who seriously considered giving him his debut in the major leagues during last year’s playoffs. With Adolis Garcia, the right fielder, injured towards the end of the regular season, the team discussed promoting Langford to bolster their already potent lineup, unconcerned about his youth and lack of experience. Pairing Langford with rookie Evan Carter and center fielder Leody Taveras could have provided a much-needed offensive spark.

However, Garcia returned and embarked on a remarkable hot streak, earning himself the MVP honors for the American League Championship Series. Nevertheless, Langford remained with the team during the postseason, part of the Rangers’ contingency plan in case of injuries, and he quickly made a name for himself.

During the postseason, Langford was part of the Rangers’ “stay-ready squad,” gathering at Globe Life Field in the mornings for live batting practice. Notably, the pitchers he faced included top prospects like Jack Leiter, Owen White, and Cole Winn, along with seasoned pitcher Danny Duffy, who had a high regard for Langford from their time together in Double-A.

Reflecting on facing Langford, Duffy recalled a close call where Langford almost homered off him. Despite Duffy’s strategic pitch selection to avoid challenging him directly, Langford’s power was evident, sending the ball soaring towards center field, nearly reaching the Embassy Suites beyond the ballpark.

Max Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, was unfamiliar with Langford until they faced off in a live batting practice session in October. Langford left a lasting impression on Scherzer by smashing a double off the wall. Throughout the month as the Rangers advanced to the AL pennant, Langford continued to astonish observers, consistently hitting balls over 110 mph, a feat usually reserved for top-tier major league hitters. Even after the stay-ready crew was sent home following Game 1 of the World Series, Garcia’s injury in Game 3 revived discussions among Rangers staff about bringing up Langford.

“He was definitely in the mix,” remarked Texas bench coach Donnie Ecker. “And if he did play, he’d have been placed in the 3-hole.”

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy added, “I’m not sure if he would’ve batted third, to be honest, but his performance in the live batting practices was impressive. His stats, what he was accomplishing, were remarkable. You can’t ignore that. And when you get to know him, you see he’s fearless. Plus, we saw what Carter did. So, we knew these young guys were different. We didn’t think he’d shy away. That’s why it was a serious consideration to have him with us. Looking back, it would’ve been pretty cool to see.”

Ultimately, Texas opted to go with veteran Travis Jankowski in left field and promoted utility man Ezequiel Duran to the active roster, both of whom had been with the team all year and were proven performers. With a 2-1 Series lead and home-field advantage, the Rangers didn’t feel the need to take unnecessary risks. However, the idea of having Langford in the lineup lingered in their minds. During the celebration after winning the championship in Game 5, one coach, already thinking ahead to 2024, remarked, “And we’re going to have Langford next year too.”

“It wasn’t just his minor league performance or results,” noted Texas GM Michael Young. “It was the underlying metrics, which we highly value, indicating he could succeed at the major league level. His exit velocities were exceptional. His plate discipline was elite. He was showing great discipline at the plate. It’s everything we saw in him when we drafted him, and he had already performed on the big stage in college baseball. Taking all that into account, we believed the moment wouldn’t overwhelm him.”

Langford’s journey from a backup catcher with minimal at-bats as a freshman at Florida to becoming one of the most dominant hitters in college baseball over the past two years is remarkable. As a sophomore, he led the SEC with 26 home runs and boasted an impressive 1.166 OPS. His junior year was even more impressive, with 21 home runs, 19 doubles, increased walks, and maintained strikeouts, ending just shy of a College World Series title.

While Langford would have relished the opportunity to participate in both the College World Series and the World Series in the same year, he views the 2023 season as a significant success. During the offseason, he focused on replicating his achievements, training rigorously to prove to the Rangers that he’s ready for the upcoming season. Langford recognizes that excelling in college and the minors doesn’t guarantee success at the major league level, so he’s been actively seeking advice from veterans like Marcus Semien, Nathaniel Lowe, and Josh Jung, his spring training roommate, to grasp the nuances of playing a full 162-game season.

“My main goal is to soak up as much knowledge as possible, stay true to myself, and enjoy playing the game,” Langford explained. “If the opportunity arises, that’s fantastic. If not, I’ll do my best wherever I’m assigned.”

When he’ll get the chance depends on the Rangers’ needs. With Jung and shortstop Corey Seager sidelined, there might be an opening for a utility player at the start of the season. However, the Rangers won’t hold Langford back just for the sake of it, especially considering MLB’s rules that reward full service time to top rookies, encouraging teams to promote them. If Langford continues to impress coaches and stands out as the best player on the field, he’ll dictate his readiness for the big leagues.

“He’ll let us know when he’s ready,” remarked Michael Young, “and if that’s now, then it’s now.”