With their season in doubt, the Texas Rangers are taking time to focus on the future. If you rewind back to July 11th, you’ll remember that the Rangers selected right-hander Jack Leiter. They did this with the second overall pick on the first day of the 2021 MLB Draft. Ever since then, excitement and anticipation have been building in Arlington, Texas. After some back and forth negotiations, both sides were able to come to an agreement on Wednesday afternoon.
Jack Leiter Inked
The deal includes a bonus that is worth an eye-popping $7,992,000 according to MLB Pipeline. That number represents the fourth largest bonus in the history of the Draft. It is also the biggest bonus given to a pitcher since 2011. That year, it was first overall pick Gerrit Cole who signed on the dotted line with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $8 million. In 2012, however, changes were made to the system. Major League Baseball set guidelines in place for Draft signing bonuses. This makes Leiter’s deal the largest for any pitcher under the current system.
Rich Family History
If the name sounds familiar, then chances are you’re thinking of the two-time All-Star pitcher and World Series Champion Al Leiter. He is Jack’s father. Needless to say, his career appears to be in good hands. Jack’s Uncle, Mark Leiter also pitched for 11 seasons in the majors. His cousin, Mark Leiter Jr. pitched in the majors for two years as well. That is quite a family tree. Ranger fans everywhere are very excited about this development, and they should be. Leiter has a big future ahead of him, and the Rangers are expecting great things from him.
The Tradition Continues
As you might imagine, Leiter himself is very excited to get to work. “It kind of just felt like that’s what you do if you’re a Leiter,” Jack said. Perhaps we’ll see glimpses of the previous three Leiter’s in his pitching. Only time will tell.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Jack Leiter, Gerrit Cole, Al Leiter, Mark Leiter, Mark Leiter Jr.
