The Texas Rangers have finally celebrated their first cycle of the 2024 MLB season, a feat that took three months to achieve. This milestone came courtesy of rookie sensation Wyatt Langford, who marked this accomplishment against the Baltimore Orioles in a game that ended with a resounding 11-2 victory for the Rangers.
Langford’s achievement stands out as the 11th cycle in the history of the Rangers franchise, and it’s particularly noteworthy as the first since Carlos Gómez accomplished the feat in 2017. The rookie outfielder has joined an elite group, becoming only the second rookie in Rangers history to hit for the cycle, following in the footsteps of Oddibe McDowell, who achieved the same feat in 1985.
A Historic Performance
Wyatt Langford's cycle is an extraordinary achievement, and it is made all the more impressive considering the quality of pitchers he faced. His cycle included hits off a range of Orioles pitchers, demonstrating his adaptability and skill. In his first at-bat, Langford flew out against Cole Irvin. However, he quickly found his stride, tripling off Irvin in the fourth inning. He continued to sizzle, doubling against Nick Vespi in the fifth inning, then singling against Dillon Tate in the sixth. Langford capped his stellar performance by smashing a home run off Matt Krook in the eighth inning.
This remarkable outing also holds the distinction of being the first cycle hit by a rookie since Elly De La Cruz achieved the same on June 23 of the previous year. Langford’s performance is a testament to his offensive prowess, something that scouts had noted even before he took a professional at-bat. "Scouts have felt confident giving him plus offensive projections even before he took a pro at-bat," said R.J. Anderson, emphasizing the high expectations surrounding Langford.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Despite his eventual success, Wyatt Langford's transition to the major leagues wasn’t without its struggles. Selected by the Rangers with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, Langford entered the season as the No. 4 prospect in baseball. However, he initially struggled at the major league level, batting .224/.295/.293 through his first 31 games. His early difficulties were compounded by a hamstring strain that placed him on the injured list on May 4. Langford returned to action on May 28, and since then, he has found a groove, batting .275/.333/.422 in his last 28 games with 18 strikeouts.
A Bright Spot in a Challenging Season
Langford’s cycle was not just a personal achievement but a bright spot in a challenging season for the Texas Rangers. Following the victory over the Orioles, the Rangers have a 38-46 record and are currently eight games out of a wild-card spot. Despite these struggles, Langford’s rising performance offers hope and excitement for Rangers fans and underscores why he was such a highly touted prospect.
In a season that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, Langford’s historic cycle provides a moment to celebrate and a reminder of the potential waiting to be fully realized. The young rookie’s journey, from early struggles and injury setbacks to historic accomplishments, epitomizes the resilience and determination that will be crucial as the Rangers look to improve their standing in the league.