Texas Rangers Outfielder Predicted To Win Rookie Of The Year — It's Not Who You Think
The Texas Rangers are projected to have a Rookie of the Year winner in 2024. But it might not be the rookie everyone expects.
MLB.com predicted the award winners for the league MVPs, Cy Young awards, and Rookies of the Year.
The site believes that Rangers outfield prospect Wyatt Langford will be the American League Rookie of the Year.
It’s an interesting prediction, given that Langford has yet to set foot in the Majors. He's knocking on the door, however, after finishing last season at Triple-A Round Rock.
The prediction overlooks another sure-fire candidate for the award who also plays for the Rangers — outfielder Evan Carter.
Carter is likely the Rangers’ opening-day left fielder after he was called up in early September when Adolis García was out with an injury. By the time García returned, Carter had played well enough to remain the club's left fielder.
While Langford wrapped up his first season in the minors, Carter helped the Rangers win their first World Series, starting nearly every game in left field and, at times, batting third in the order. Carter batted .306 in the regular season and .300 in the postseason. He also batted .288 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI in the minors.
Langford’s ascent was special. Selected No. 4 overall in the July MLB Draft, he started his post-college career with the Rangers’ Arizona Complex League team and by September, earned a promotion to Round Rock.
Langford and Carter made the Rangers’ Organizational All-Star team, as selected by MiLB.com. At times, Langford made it look easy, as he wrapped up his short time in the minors batting .360 in 44 games, with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, 36 runs, 36 walks, and 12 stolen bases.
He has a chance to push for playing time in 2024 — and MLB.com believes he has the goods to leap over Carter and the rest to be the AL’s top rookie in 2024.
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