Jacob Latz has been rewarded with the first All-Star selection of his career as a member of the Texas Rangers.
Jacob Latz entered the 2026 season competing for a spot in the Texas Rangers' starting rotation. A few months later, he has established himself as one of baseball's most dominant relief pitchers.
The left-hander was named to the American League All-Star team for the first time in his career after putting together an outstanding first half that transformed him into one of the Rangers' most dependable bullpen arms.
One of baseball's best relievers
Latz has consistently delivered in high-leverage situations throughout the season, emerging as Texas' go-to option to close out games.
His success reached another level in June, when he was named the American League Reliever of the Month.
During the month, Latz recorded 11 saves while posting a 1.13 ERA across 16 innings. He also struck out 19 batters against just four walks, setting a Rangers franchise record for saves in a single month.
His versatility has also separated him from other closers. Latz has frequently been asked to record more than three outs, leading the majors in saves of at least four outs while also topping the league in saves spanning two or more innings.
Dominance from start to finish
Latz has been one of the most difficult pitchers in the American League to square up this season.
Entering the All-Star break, he owned a 1.71 ERA, ranking among the league leaders among pitchers with at least 30 innings pitched. Opposing hitters have struggled to generate consistent offense against him, producing a .120 batting average, .171 on-base percentage, and .225 slugging percentage.
Those marks are the best in the American League among pitchers with at least 30 innings, highlighting just how overpowering Latz has been throughout the first half.
Building on last season's success
While Latz has reached another level this year, his emergence did not happen overnight.
He proved to be a valuable contributor for the Rangers in 2025, serving in multiple roles throughout the pitching staff. Whether making spot starts or pitching out of the bullpen, Latz consistently provided quality innings and demonstrated the versatility that has become one of his greatest strengths.
That experience laid the foundation for his breakout campaign in 2026.
Although he opened Spring Training competing for a place in the starting rotation, Latz has found an even bigger role in the bullpen. His ability to dominate late in games, work extended outings, and consistently shut down opposing hitters has made him one of the premier relievers in baseball and a deserving first-time All-Star.
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