What's Going On With Texas Rangers Prospect Jack Leiter?

Former Texas Rangers first-round pick Jack Leiter hasn't pitched in a professional game since July 7 with Double-A Frisco.

Jack Leiter's journey to the Majors took a surprising turn Wednesday, but it didn't come at Double-A Frisco. 

Instead, the Texas Rangers got an up-close and personal look at Leiter's development in Arlington at Globe Life Field. Leiter, the former No. 2 pick of the 2021 draft, threw during a live batting practice session against infielder Brad Miller and catcher Austin Hedges. 

The progression marked the first time Leiter pitched live reps against a hitter since his start on July 7. He didn't make it out of the first inning and eventually was placed on the developmental list for further evaluation. 

The Rangers are in no rush to raise the former Vanderbilt ace, especially after acquiring three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and left-hander Jordan Montgomery at the trade deadline earlier this month. Still, the ball club invested a high pick in Leiter to eventually be a meaningful part of the rotation, so every pitch of progress matters moving forward. 

When the Rangers drafted Leiter, the focus was on his fastball. General manager Chris Young talked about the “vertical approach angle” of his heater, recognizing the high swing-and-miss rate inside the strike zone. 

During his final season with the Commodores, velocity reached speeds up to 97 mph. Leiter posted a 2.13 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 110 innings, allowing just 48 hits against 45 walks. 

But since being elevated to Double-A, Leiter's struggled with his command and placement, leading to fewer strikeouts and an uptick in hits. He was 2-5 in 15 games with a 5.51 ERA and 85 strikeouts. In 65 1/3 innings, Leiter allowed 56 hits, issued 45 walks and gave up 11 home runs. 

In a recent interview with The Dallas Morning News, Young mentioned there is no timetable for Leiter's return. Right now, there's no rush. The Texas League season is winding down, and RoughRiders are four games out of the division lead. 

Leiter, who scouts believed could rush through the minors and make his way onto the Rangers roster by the halfway point of 2023, is now a long-term project. Young seems content with it, so long as the mechanical issues and delivery are back in pre-draft form. 

That could be corrected by the end of the month. Then again, the upcoming offseason could be when most of the work is done. 

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