This story was excerpted from Kennedi Landry’s Rangers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
DENVER -- Justin Foscue has always been a hitter, plain and simple.
He was a hitter in high school, a hitter at Mississippi State and a hitter at every single level of the Minors. For a guy whose defensive proficiency was fairly limited, his hitting ability was his key to a big league career.
It got him to be a first-round pick in 2020. It helped him move through the Rangers’ system in the ensuing years. But in his cups of coffee in the big leagues -- 15 games in 2024 and four in ‘25 -- he was unable to cement himself into the big league infielder rotation.
But sometimes all a player needs is an opportunity and some runway.
With Corey Seager (back) and Josh Smith (lots of ailments) both on the injured list, Foscue is getting the first real bit of runway he’s ever had at the big league level. And he’s making the most of it.
“I think it's honestly just about coming into my own and relaxing,” Foscue said. “Honestly, it's more just being in the clubhouse with the guys, feeling a part of it more than anything. It’s going out there and relaxing and playing my game. It definitely, so far, is feeling a lot different than the past.
“This is just who I am. I feel like I'm a composed person. I know that this game is going to give me a lot of ups and downs. As long as I can stay as neutral as possible, then that's going to give me the best chance to have a long career.”
Foscue's MLB stats don’t truly reflect his abilities. He entered the season just 3-for-51 (.059) in his limited big league appearances, including a brutal 0-for-39 skid to end the 2024 season.
During the current road trip through Houston and Colorado, Foscue is batting .391 with three runs, three doubles, a home run and four RBIs. He entered this week's series against the Rockies with just three total MLB extra-base hits, then hit safely in all three games, going 7-for-12 with four extra-base hits -- three of which came in Monday's loss.
Veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo went out of his way to say how “proud” he was of Foscue and his recent heater.
“He's been talking through the game with me, and he's certainly starting to understand how the pitchers are thinking,” Nimmo said. “That's part of maturity. He's doing it really quickly, so I'm happy to see that.”
The talent was never the question with Foscue. He’s always had it. But his time in the big leagues has either been marred by a months-long oblique strain in 2024 or lack of opportunity in 2025.
He’s always had the right type of mentality to overcome those hurdles. Now, in just a week, it’s finally paying off.
He’s putting together more production at the big league level than he ever has before. He’s stepped up in big situations to help put the Rangers in the best position to win. He looks like a real big leaguer.
“I'm just super happy, it's awesome,” said third baseman Josh Jung. “It's awesome to see. We were roommates during COVID, during our instructs [in 2020]. We've seen each other grow in this game. It's really cool to see him get results. Watching him, he’s getting super comfortable, he has a plan, he’s executing that plan, and isn't afraid to just set the bat down and go to first base. It's incredible to see. Hats off to him. This has been an incredible stretch, and hopefully he can keep going.”