Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford hits for cycle vs. Orioles
Wyatt Langford was one of the top prospects in the draft when he was brought into the MLB in last year’s class. And the former Florida Gator hasn’t disappointed Texas Rangers fans, showcasing his phenomenal talent for the franchise. And on Sunday, Langford had an impressive accomplishment, hitting for the cycle against the Baltimore Orioles.
He became the first rookie to hit for the cycle since 1985 (Oddibe McDowell).
This is just the 17th instance in MLB history in which a player has hit an inside the park home run, a grand slam, and the cycle in the same season. He also became the first player in Texas Rangers’ franchise history to do that.
Following his historic achievement, Langford spoke with Nicole Briscoe on ESPN’s SportsCenter. What was his favorite hit on Sunday night? “Yeah, I think the home run’s my favorite hit,” Langford noted.
This season, he’s hit both an inside-the-park home run and homers that have left the park. Which are more enjoyable? “You know, probably the inside-the-parker. I think it was the first one I’ve ever had so…” Langford explained.
The Texas pitching staff shut down the Baltimore Orioles bats on Sunday evening, and the Rangers rolled to a 11-2 win, snapping their six-game losing streak. “Yeah, I mean they went out there and they threw strikes. We got off to a really good start and helped them out,” the former Florida star noted.
How has Langford’s rookie year been going? “Yeah, it’s been great. I mean, it’s been a really good group of guys. They’ve helped a lot. Yeah, it’s just been great,” Langford explained.
The Texas Rangers drafted Langford in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft with the No. 4 overall selection. His senior season with the Florida Gators, he was one of the top prospects for the MLB Draft and the superstar didn’t disappoint. He hit .373 with 21 home runs, 57 RBIs, and nine stolen bases for the Gators during the 2023 campaign. Langford earned unanimous All-American honors and also guided Florida to the 2023 College World Series Finals. He also earned 2023 College World Series All-Tournament Team honors.
Always a tremendous power hitter, he played his high school baseball for Trenton (Trenton, Florida). Langford won the 2019 Perfect Game Home Run Derby, before committing to the Gators to play his college baseball.