Jacob Latz Eyes Rangers Rotation Spot After Long Road

Overcoming injuries and setbacks, the veteran pitcher aims to earn a starting role with the Texas Rangers.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Jacob Latz, a 30-year-old pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization, is vying for a spot in the team's starting rotation after a long and winding road filled with injuries, transfers, and role changes. Despite facing elbow fractures, nerve issues, digestive problems, and other obstacles, Latz has persevered with resilience and determination, impressing in spring training and hoping to secure a starting job with the Rangers this season.

Why it matters

Latz's journey underscores the challenges minor league players face in reaching the majors, as well as the value of perseverance and adaptability. His ability to transition between starting and relief roles makes him a valuable asset for the Rangers, who are facing tough competition for their fifth starter spot.

The details

After leading his high school team to a state championship, Latz immediately enrolled at LSU, determined to compete for an NCAA title on his way to the majors. However, his path has been filled with setbacks, including elbow injuries requiring surgery, nerve issues, digestive problems, and a transfer to Kent State where NCAA rules prevented him from pitching in games. Despite these obstacles, Latz has remained focused, working to improve his mechanics, velocity, and endurance to secure a spot in the Rangers' starting rotation.

  • After leading Lemont High School to its first-ever Illinois State Championship, Latz immediately set off for Louisiana State University in 2017.
  • During his transfer year at Kent State in 2019, NCAA rules kept Latz from pitching in official games.
  • Latz is entering his seventh minor league season with the Rangers organization.
  • In his most recent spring training outing, Latz threw two scoreless innings, striking out six batters without any walks, home runs, or runs allowed.

The players

Jacob Latz

A 30-year-old pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization who is vying for a spot in the team's starting rotation after overcoming numerous injuries and setbacks throughout his minor league career.

Mike Papierski

Latz's high school catcher, LSU teammate, and longtime friend, who praised Latz's mental toughness in overcoming adversity.

Bryan Soth

Latz's roommate during his transfer year at Kent State, who recalled how Latz remained committed and focused despite not being able to play that season.

Kumar Rocker

A fellow pitcher competing with Latz for the fifth starter spot in the Rangers' rotation.

Skip Schumaker

The Texas Rangers manager, who praised Latz's approach and versatility as both a starter and reliever.

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What they’re saying

“He is unbelievable in that regard.”

— Mike Papierski, Latz's high school catcher, LSU teammate, and longtime friend (The Conway Bulletin)

“It went very quickly from, 'What a great year this is going to be' to 'What are we going to do?'”

— Bryan Soth, Latz's roommate during his transfer year at Kent State (The Conway Bulletin)

“I think the biggest reason why I want the opportunity is because some of my best traits are being able to adjust in game, being able to navigate a whole lineup, having multiple weapons to get guys out and having balanced ability against lefties and righties.”

— Jacob Latz (The Dallas Morning News)

“He's going about it exactly like he should be. He's doing everything he can on the field and inside the clubhouse to show he's ready for the fifth spot in the rotation. It's a good and a bad thing, how good he is in the bullpen and as a starter. He's so valuable to our club; it's so hard to find that type of pitcher in the industry that can do both and be successful at it. But he is. He's attacking it like he's going to win the fifth spot.”

— Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers Manager (The Conway Bulletin)

“Jake knows the answers already. He's been able to connect the dots himself. He's answering his own questions or giving me what he's going to do before I'm even giving it to him. To me, that's the ultimate growth. He has a plan, a specific goal and it's all related to the starting component. He has grown so much.”

— Jordan Tiegs, Texas Rangers Pitching Coach (The Conway Bulletin)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Latz's journey exemplifies the determination and adaptability required to succeed in professional baseball, as he has overcome numerous obstacles to put himself in position to earn a starting role with the Texas Rangers. His versatility as both a starter and reliever makes him a valuable asset, and his strong spring training performance has him firmly in the mix for the team's fifth starter spot.