Langford could be Rangers' answer for starting CF job
This browser does not support the video element.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Just four years ago, Wyatt Langford was the bullpen catcher at the University of Florida, waiting for his opportunity to be the starting backstop.
By 2026, Langford could be the starting center fielder for the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have yet to make a deal at baseball’s annual Winter Meetings, so the focus in Orlando has been on the existing players on the roster.
The domino effect of the Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien trade doesn’t just end at second base. Now, new Rangers manager Skip Schumaker will have to decide how he will align the outfield for 2026, with Nimmo alongside a pair of young talents in Langford and Evan Carter.
The need arose for another outfielder when the Rangers non-tendered Adolis García last month. The former All-Star had primarily been a right fielder over the last three seasons. Nimmo has 93 career games in right field, but none since 10 contests in 2020.
That’ll likely be his home in 2026, as Langford potentially becomes the center fielder of the future.
This browser does not support the video element.
“I can't tell you exactly what it's going to look like,” Schumaker said. “There's definitely been conversation with Wyatt in center field. … Obviously, Carter can play an elite center field. We're trying to figure all of that out right now and trying to keep guys healthy on the field every day as well.
“I think Wyatt can play all three outfield positions, and I think he can win a Gold Glove in all three outfield positions. I think he's that elite. I also think Carter is a Gold Glove center fielder.”
It’ll ultimately come down to putting all three players in the best position to help the team win. And health will be a big part of that.
Carter has struggled with back issues throughout his professional career, and he missed the last month of the 2025 season with a broken right wrist. Langford, on the other hand, has experienced a number of soft tissue injuries over his two years in the big leagues, including three oblique strains this past season.
“Trying to get these guys healthy, on the field and productive for 150-plus is the most ideal situation for us,” Schumaker added. “Trying to figure out how we can do that with Carter is a big thing for us. I don't know if everyone has the answers right now to keep him healthy the entire year, but I know he's absolutely trying to do everything he can this offseason to prove that he [can get] back to where he was in 2023.”
No matter the configuration, the Rangers are confident in both young players’ ability to provide quality defense.
Carter played only center field in 2025, posting four outs above average in 460 innings. In left field in ‘24, he had -1 outs above average in 256 innings.
This browser does not support the video element.
Langford, who was a Gold Glove Award finalist in the outfield in 2025, had five outs above average in left field over 841 1/3 innings and another five OAA in center over 319 1/3 innings.
The outfield configuration won’t be set in stone the day Spring Training starts. And it’s likely to be a fluid situation. But it’s more than clear that the Rangers see no issue with letting Langford grab a hold of center field and making it his own.
“I think nowadays you see the profile has changed a little bit,” Schumaker said. “It used to be kind of the fast little guy that's patrolling the outfield. Now you look up and you're seeing some big ole boys roaming center field. I think Wyatt can be that guy.
“Does the guy have speed? Does he have leadership qualities? I think that is what I'm really looking for [in center]. I think if you give either Evan or Wyatt or whoever takes that position over the everyday kind of role, they'll really grow into it. I think you'll see Gold Glove votes with either one of those guys.”