Watch Wyatt Langford Blast First Spring Training Grand Slam, Tie For MLB Home Run Lead
Wyatt Langford is making it look way too easy.
The Texas Rangers' young outfielder belted his first Cactus League grand slam in the fourth inning of their Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Reds at Surprise Stadium. The homer gave the Rangers a 7-0 lead.
Langford is tied for the MLB lead with five homers and 14 RBI this spring. His 1.281 on-base plus slugging percentage leads the league.
He was 1 for 4 with two strikeouts and popout through six innings.
Langford, who was the No. 4 overall pick in July's MLB Draft, has taken a fast-track trajectory to the Major Leagues. He turned 22 in November. He's the youngest Rangers batter to hit at least five homers since 2006 when spring records started being kept.
"I feel really good, swinging it good. I try to take it day by day," Langford told Emily Jones in the dugout on Bally Sports Southwest. "I'm just trying to get on base in any way I can. There are so many good hitters in the lineup. Everyone can do damage, so the more people we have on base, the better off we're going to be."
In his first spring training, the Rangers leadership, including manager Bruce Bochy and general manager Chris Young, has said for months that Langford had a legitimate chance to make the Opening Day roster.
Their public expectations for Langford were based on his production during 200 minor-league plate appearances last summer and his mental makeup. Bochy has often commended Langford's handling of spring camp and the stability of his confidence after starting 1 for 10.
"We've got two weeks to go," Bochy said. "There's no getting around it. It's been fun to watch him. He'll keep getting his at-bats out there. He's doing what he needs to do. He's got a great presence about him."
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