Rangers fans overlooking reason for Wyatt Langford Rookie of the Year snub

Fans are not supposed to be rational when it comes to their team's players. If an individual fails, they'll be the first to point out that reality. Likewise, if an athlete succeeds, fans will be the first to mention how it happened and why the player may be underrated. In either case, the reaction will be over-the-top.

Wyatt Langford did not receive recognition for his rookie success in the way many Texas Rangers fans thought he might. The American League Rookie of the Year finalists were announced earlier this week, and Langford did not make the cut. While fans may be disappointed, they may be missing a key reason why he was snubbed.

Luis Gil, Austin Wells, and Colton Cowser were all nominated for the award by the Baseball Writers’ Association. With Gil and Wells both being New York Yankees, and Cowser representing the Baltimore Orioles, this season's finalists all reside in the AL East.

Rangers fans overlooking reason for Wyatt Langford Rookie of the Year snub

Langford hit .253, bashed 16 home runs, collected 74 RBIs, and had a .325 OBP across 134 total games. The 22-year-old also had a torrid September that saw him hit .300 and smash an AL-best eight home runs.

The favorite to win the award is Cowser, but Langford ended the year with more doubles and triples than Wells, as well as a better OBP. Ranger fans have a right to be slightly peeved that Langford did not make the final cut over Wells.

Even still, it is clear why Langford was not in serious consideration to win. The majority of the Florida native's case would have stemmed from his fiery September. He hit half of his home runs during that month, and was not consistent throughout the year in terms of power.

Cowser showed more general slug over the course of the campaign. He slashed .242/.321/.447, cranked 24 doubles, and belted 24 home runs.

All told, Texas should be encouraged by what Langford was able to provide in 2024. It could even be argued that the former Gator performed ahead of schedule. While he may not have deserved to be this season's Rookie of the Year, Langford could be in for a long career filled with other notable accolades.