Rangers Expect Wyatt Langford to Be Team's Next Star

Time is ticking to pay him like one

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Texas Rangers are positioning 24-year-old outfielder Wyatt Langford as the future face of the franchise, but they have yet to sign him to a long-term contract extension. With Langford under team control through 2029, the Rangers must act quickly to lock him up before he potentially hits free agency sooner than expected.

Why it matters

Langford has emerged as one of the top young outfielders in baseball, and the Rangers are eager to make him a centerpiece of their roster for years to come. Failing to sign him to an extension could risk losing him to free agency, which would be a major blow to the team's long-term plans.

The details

The Rangers have featured Langford prominently in their media guide and new manager Skip Schumaker has praised him as a future MVP. However, the two sides have not made significant progress on a contract extension since brief talks after Langford's rookie season. The going rate for young star outfielders like Langford appears to be around $15 million per year on long-term deals, but the Rangers may need to offer more given Langford's service time and production.

  • Langford has been under team control through 2029 since his debut.
  • The Rangers and Langford had brief contract extension talks after his rookie season in 2025 but did not reach a deal.

The players

Wyatt Langford

A 24-year-old outfielder who the Rangers view as the future face of their franchise.

Skip Schumaker

The new manager of the Texas Rangers who has praised Langford as a future MVP.

Corey Seager

The Rangers' best player, but he has no interest in being the face of the franchise or the team's culture.

Chris Young

The Rangers' president of baseball operations who has been complimentary of Langford but declined to discuss contract negotiations.

Ray Davis

The owner of the Texas Rangers who was involved in negotiating the contract that included quarter horses as a bonus for Rougned Odor in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's going to be part of our core for a long time. He's a really good player who has leadership qualities; he's learning a lot from [Seager]. And I think he can grow into whatever you want him to grow into.”

— Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager (The Dallas Morning News)

“I like being in Texas. Amazing stadium, facilities, people and leadership here. So there's really a lot to like about it. I definitely would be open to it. There's no rush to do anything. That's my kind of view on it. No matter what, I'm going to be here for four more seasons, unless I get traded or something.”

— Wyatt Langford (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.