Growing up, we all wanted to play in the major leagues, most likely with a great debut that would make us a fan favorite. Jack Leiter, a Texas Rangers pitching prospect, had his debut on Wednesday, but it did not go as expected.
The son of former star pitcher Al Leiter was selected second overall by the Texas Rangers in 2021 as a highly touted pitcher out of Vanderbilt. Despite not living up to expectations in the minor levels thus far and seeing his star fade slightly, Rangers fans were nevertheless excited to see him face the Rangers.
All they saw was some terrible major league pitching. Leiter was lit up, lasting 3 2/3 innings and allowing 8 hits, 7 earned runs, three walks, and three strikeouts.
Jack Leiter’s 1st MLB Strikeout.
3 Pitch K. pic.twitter.com/Tuv7R75ddS
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 18, 2024
That’s not good. He finished with an ERA of 17.18, which was not his desired statistic going into the contest.
There were a few bright spots, however. At times, Jack Leiter demonstrated some electric stuff.
But the numbers do not lie. It was an awful outing. Leiter, who will be 24 next Monday, has a whole career to develop. However, it is indisputable that someone who was previously labeled as the next great thing no longer appears to be so.
Ironically, the Rangers defeated the Tigers 9-7.
