Florida Gators outfielder Wyatt Langford is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2022 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. However, his draft status is up in the air after he recently underwent surgery that is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks.
Langford, who is rated as the No. 3 draft prospect by Baseball America, had surgery to remove a growth in his right arm. According to a statement by Gators head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, Langford is expected to miss “a few weeks” as he recovers.
“Losing Wyatt is obviously a big blow for us,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s one of the best players in the country and he makes our team better in so many ways. But we have a lot of talented guys on this roster who will step up in his absence and continue to compete at a high level.”
Langford, a sophomore from Winter Garden, Florida, was off to a strong start to the 2022 season before his injury. He was hitting .314 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, and seven stolen bases in 16 games for the Gators. He was also a key piece of their outfield defense, routinely making highlight-reel catches with his speed and athleticism.
Langford’s status for the rest of the season and for the draft is unclear at this point. The draft is scheduled for July 17-19, and Langford’s injury could potentially impact his draft stock if he is unable to return to the field before then.
Despite the setback, Langford remains one of the most exciting prospects in college baseball. He was a standout player in high school, earning Florida Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2020 after hitting .477 with six home runs, 32 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases in 28 games as a senior.
If Langford can return to form after his injury, he could still be a first-round pick in the draft. He has all the skills and tools that teams are looking for in a top prospect, including speed, power, and defensive prowess.
For now, Langford will focus on getting healthy and helping his team in any way he can. The Gators will need to find a way to replace his production, but they have a deep roster and plenty of talent to fill the void.
Langford’s injury is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of staying healthy. But if he can make a full recovery and return to his dominant form, he could be a star at the next level and a valuable asset to any MLB team.
