Now flashing forward to 2026, both Tyler Mahle and Merrill Kelly are both now out of the rotation, and things seem as the seas are parting for Leiter to take a huge step forward next season.
Jack Leiter’s road to the big leagues was not one that many people expected.
After being drafted number two overall out of Vanderbilt in 2021, many expected Leiter to quickly rise through the Rangers farm system and become one of baseball’s best prospects.
However, that wasn’t the case as Leiter struggled early during stints with AA Frisco and AAA Round Rock, delaying his MLB debut.
Amidst the Rangers 2023 title run, attention shifted away from the future and to the present, taking Leiter off people’s radars.
Following a slow start to the 2024 title defense season, the Rangers called up Leiter to make his big-league debut, and eventually eightmore games after that.
Leiter’s cup of coffee at the big-league level was not a pleasant one as he pitched to the tune of an 8.83 ERA in 35.2 innings.
Coming into 2025, Leiter’s role with the Rangers was in question, but after a strong spring, he made the team and remained with Texas through the duration of the season, marking his rookie year.
From the jump, Leiter showed flashes of greatness and carried those through the season, putting up a 3.86 ERA in 151 innings.
Now flashing forward to 2026, both Tyler Mahle and Merrill Kelly are both now out of the rotation, and things seem as the seas are parting for Leiter to take a huge step forward next season.
There’s no doubt that Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi will form one of the best 1-2 punches at the top of the Rangers' rotation, but the number three spot seems open for now, and Leiter looks to have the best chance to step into that role.
A breakout season from Leiter would do wonders in lengthening the Rangers rotation and helping them carry over the historic success from 2025.
Perhaps more importantly, from an organizational perspective, it could mark the turn of the tide in a lengthy of backlash against the Rangers drafting and pitching development.
At the end of the day, a potential Leiter breakout will lead to wins, and for the Rangers, who look to return to the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series, that will be the most welcomed sign.