Rangers select Florida star Wyatt Langford 4th overall
The Texas Rangers selected Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford with the fourth pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Langford is coming off an impressive end to his college career, helping lead the Gators to the College World Series finals before losing to LSU. The 21-year-old memorably went 5-for-5 with one homer and six RBIs in the second contest of the three-game set.
Considered a well-rounded five-tool athlete, Langford started turning heads in his sophomore campaign by posting a 1.166 OPS over 66 games while tying the Gators' single-season homer record with an SEC-leading 26 bombs. He's followed up that breakout with an outstanding junior season, hitting .387/.511/.799 with 18 homers and eight steals. For his college career, Langford has more walks (86) than strikeouts (83).
In high school, Langford also played third base and catcher, but he's become a full-time outfielder in college, primarily playing left. He's looked encouraging in center but likely projects as a corner outfielder.
Bio
Age: 21
Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6-1, 225 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Florida
Pick value (#4): $7,698,000
Tools
- Five-tool prospect with no specific weakness
- Above average bat-to-ball skills with plus power
- Enough speed to move over to center in the pros
Why fans will love this player
- Polished hitter with all-fields approach
- Some scouts consider his power plus-plus (70-grade)
- Plays hard and aggressive
- Tied Matt LaPorta's single-season homer record at Florida
Things he'll need to overcome
- Was overlooked for a role in center, might be relegated to corner duties
- Missed two weeks earlier this spring and never got to showcase full-speed running
Take a look ...
(Video source: MLB Pipeline)
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