This Rangers breakout star will almost certainly break the bank with next contract

There have been a lot of questions surrounding this Texas Rangers ballclub so far this season as they have stumbled out to a 26-28 start. However, one thing that has never wavered is the desire for the Rangers to make outfielder Wyatt Langford a cornerstone of the organization moving forward. And that will mean that he will have some serious leverage when the time comes for him to sign a long-term deal next season.

Wyatt Langford is a player you want as a Texas Rangers cornerstone

The 23-year-old is everything the organization could have hoped for as the fourth overall pick out of the University of Florida. He is a five-tool player who was good enough to essentially skip the minor leagues altogether last season and contribute to the big club right away.

With a rare blend of speed and power to all fields, the most admirable part of Langford's game is his all-out, workman-like approach day in and day out. He is busting his tail out of the batter's box and running the bases with purpose. He puts pressure on the opposing pitcher and defense with his aggressive style.

For his effort, he will want to be paid accordingly. And the Rangers should be prepared to back up the Brinks Truck when the time comes. ESPN baseball guru Jeff Passan predicts that Langford's deal will likely be in the neighborhood of $300 million, putting him among the highest young players in the league.

So far this season, Langford has been one of the most consistent hitters in a struggling Ranger lineup hitting .244 with 9 homers, 20 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. If Langford remains healthy, that projects to a full season of roughly 30 HR and 75 RBI with 33 stolen bases. Meanwhile, he has been patrolling left field very well with the occasional highlight reel gab for good measure.

The Rangers brass knows they will have to ante up for Langford

POBO Chris Young knows that keeping Langford in the fold after his one-year 2025 deal worth less than $1 million expires is going to be one of the top priorities this offseason.

The Rangers and Langford will likely be using the Jackson Merrill deal as a template for what they can expect to ask for. The 2024 Rookie of the Year for the San Diego Padres was locked up for nine years with a deal at $135 million. Given that Langford will be coming off two full seasons of productive service time, it is realistic to expect at least twice that amount to keep him in Arlington for the foreseeable future.