Rangers' Wyatt Langford turning heads at MLB spring training - ESPN

SURPRISE, Arizona — During the first week of spring training, Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux returned to the team's clubhouse after watching a live batting practice session and declared: «I just saw the best player on the field.» The room of coaches and assorted personnel perked up. The Rangers came into camp off a World Series title but with questionable starting pitching depth, and they were hopeful Maddux, a coach for 20 seasons, had unearthed his latest gem on the mound.

"Wyatt Langford," Maddux said.

Langford is not a pitcher. He is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound power-hitting outfielder, and for a pitching coach — particularly one of Maddux's stature — to gravitate so quickly to Langford provided the latest evidence that the defending champions' offense could be even better this year.

Maddux's answer surprised no one internally. After sliding to Texas at the No. 4 pick in a loaded 2023 draft, Langford, now 22, spent two months destroying four minor league levels, hitting .360/.480/.677 with 10 home runs in 200 plate appearances. He arrived this spring «in real competition to make the club,» according to Texas general manager Chris Young, and only the Rangers' outfield excellence stands between Langford and an every-day big league role.

«I know if I do what I can do,» Langford said, «they'll give me the opportunity to showcase that.»

Langford's right-handed swing has impressed the Rangers so thoroughly that he was under substantial consideration to make his major league debut during the playoffs last year. Toward the end of the regular season, with right fielder Adolis Garcia injured, the Rangers discussed promoting Langford to fill out an already-dangerous lineup. They weren't afraid of his age or inexperience. As