- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,206,959
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Latz takes the mound to pitch during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics at Globe Life Field on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)
One of the most remarkable stories in recent Rangers memory is that of Jacob Latz.
From an unheralded prospect to a spot starter to an All-Star closer, Latz has become one of Texas' most valuable players. His unique baseball journey molded him into a versatile weapon for the Rangers, with manager Skip Schumaker leaning on Latz to carry the Texas bullpen in 2026.
Here are five things to know about the Rangers' All-Star closer.
1. The basics
Name: Jacob Eugene Latz
Position: Pitcher
Throws: Left
Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 pounds
Born: April 8, 1996
Hometown: Lemont, Ill.
Colleges: LSU, Kent State
Drafted: 11th round by Blue Jays in 2014, fifth round by Rangers in 2017
MLB debut: Aug. 25, 2021
2. Late bloomer into an All-Star
Latz was named to his first All-Star team and is the Rangers' lone representative in Philadelphia at the 2026 All-Star Game. In the first half of the season, he has a 1.61 ERA and 18 saves across 44 ⅔ innings. Latz's 1.7 WAR is tied for the fifth-most among all relievers in baseball in the first half, according to FanGraphs
No one had Latz on their All-Star radar heading into 2026, let alone as a closer. Not to mention his status as a very late bloomer, as he appeared in just four games for Texas prior to his age-28 season in 2024.
After losing out on the final spot in Texas' rotation to Kumar Rocker, Latz moved to the bullpen as a multi-inning relief arm. But throughout the season, he kept performing in high-leverage situations until it became obvious he was Texas' best bullpen arm.
3. Impressive versatility
Part of what makes Latz so unique is his background as a starter. He sported a 2.84 ERA with Texas in 2025 as an often-used spot starter and in 10 career starts, Latz has a 2.79 ERA in 48⅓ innings.
Given his background as a starter and previous experience as a multi-inning reliever, that ability has translated to his closer role. Schumaker has often leaned on him for multi-inning saves. In fact, of his 18 first-half saves, nine of them required more than an inning. Heading into the All-Star break, Latz's nine multi-inning saves leads all of baseball by a wide margin, with Blue Jays closer Louis Varland's six multi-inning saves being the second-most.
Ironically enough, Latz's first appearance of 2026 didn't even come out of the bullpen. When Jacob deGrom was a late scratch in Texas' second game of the season in Philadelphia, Latz stepped in for deGrom and fired four hitless innings.
4. Franchise record holder
Latz, to this point, has put his name in the Rangers' recordbooks.
He held the first 28 batters he faced in 2026 hitless, which is a new franchise record for most hitless at-bats against a Senators/Rangers pitcher to begin a season. Latz also recorded 11 saves in June, which matched a franchise record for most saves in a month, tying Joe Nathan, Jeff Zimmerman and John Wetteland.
5. Closer introduction
As Latz grew into one of the team's star players, it became time to start treating him like a star.
Latz now has a signature closer entrance, as he jogs in from the bullpen amid a light show while "Shook Ones, Pt. II" by Mobb Deep plays in the ballpark. See his entrance below.
Bonus: SportsDay Rangers podcast guest
Latz joined DMN Rangers insider Evan Grant and John Blake for an interview to discuss his breakout campaign and transition to the closer role. Watch the full interview below.
Subscribe
Sign up for the Morning Roundup, a free newsletter delivering the latest North Texas news each morning.Continue reading...
