With grand slam, Langford pads case for roster

March 15th, 2024

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- entered his first Spring Training with a clear shot to break camp with the big league club. It hasn’t been a secret.

And with less than two weeks until Opening Day, Langford continues to show exactly why he should be in Arlington come March 28.

As the designated hitter in the Rangers’ matchup with the Reds on Friday night, Langford launched his first grand slam of the spring to the right-center-field berm at Surprise Stadium off of Reds pitcher Buck Farmer. This came after Langford, Texas' No. 2 prospect (No. 6 overall), did not play in the inaugural Spring Breakout game.

At 22 years old, Langford is the youngest Ranger to hit as many as five home runs in a single spring since stats began being tracked in 2006. His five homers are tied for the Spring Training lead.

In 13 Cactus League games, mainly in lineups with the big league starters, Langford has slashed .361/.442/.806 with five walks and 14 RBIs.

Langford, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida, moved quickly through the Rangers’ system in his professional debut last year, slashing .360/.480/.677 across four Minor League levels, finishing with Triple-A Round Rock.

The game had an announced attendance of 12,026, which is a facility record for Surprise Stadium (Rangers or Royals home game).