Jacob Latz, a left-handed pitcher, is competing for the coveted fifth spot in the Texas Rangers’ starting rotation during spring training in 2026. Having stepped up for the Rangers last year amid multiple injuries, Latz is now fighting with Kumar Rocker for the final rotation position. This competition took another step forward during his third spring start, held against the San Francisco Giants.
Latz’s presence on the team is nearly secured, and whether he wins the rotation spot or not, he plans to contribute. If he ends up in the bullpen, he intends to focus on refining his pitching rather than trying to prove himself anew. His steady performance has earned the organization’s confidence, but Latz remains driven by the example of a veteran teammate, known for his unwavering determination even late in his career.
How Nathan Eovaldi Inspires Latz’s Work Ethic
For Jacob Latz, Nathan Eovaldi stands as the model of relentless hunger for improvement in Major League Baseball. Eovaldi, now in his 14th MLB season at age 36, carries a resume that includes two Tommy John surgeries, two World Series championships, an All-Star designation, and a fourth-place finish in the 2021 American League Cy Young Award voting. Despite these accomplishments, Eovaldi’s desire to get better remains strong.
“You should never get comfortable in the game,”
Latz said during a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan’s “K&C Masterpiece.”
“I mean of all these players here, the perfect example is Evo [Eovaldi]. He’s hungry even as he gets into Year 14.”
Embracing this mindset, Latz has steadily climbed the ranks through persistence. Drafted in the fifth round by the Rangers in 2017 from Kent State, it took him seven years to secure a full-time MLB role, despite debuting in 2021. In 2024, he made his strongest impact as a reliever, posting a 2-3 record and a 3.71 ERA over 46 appearances, with 40 strikeouts and 27 walks across 43.2 innings, though he initially missed the opening day roster.
Latz’s Steady Progress and Adaptability in Texas
Following the 2024 season, Latz’s hunger matched the example set by Eovaldi. Returning to the Rangers a few weeks after the season started, he shifted into a swingman role due to an injury to starter Tyler Mahle. That year, Latz recorded a 2-0 record with a 2.84 ERA in 33 games, including eight starts, while tallying eight holds, one save, 76 strikeouts, and 37 walks in 85.2 innings.
Former Rangers manager Bruce Bochy has recognized Latz’s potential, noting that the left-hander possesses both the tools and mindset needed for a full-time starting job. Latz’s performance last season solidified his opportunity to compete for the rotation spot in the current spring training.
The Rangers organization has kept Latz’s role flexible this offseason, aware that Kumar Rocker, his rival for the fifth starter spot, has yet to definitively claim the position. This open approach means Latz is expected to remain in competition mode, a position he accepts as beneficial for his growth as a pitcher.
Implications of Latz’s Drive and What Lies Ahead
Jacob Latz’s pursuit of a starting rotation role highlights the competitive nature of professional baseball and the importance of sustained ambition. Modeled after Nathan Eovaldi’s example of persistent hunger, Latz demonstrates the grit required to transition from reliever to starter at the Major League level. His ability to adapt and maintain high performance under pressure augurs well for the Rangers as they balance pitching staff needs.
As spring training continues, the ongoing battle between Latz and Rocker promises to sharpen both players and help finalize the Rangers’ pitching corps. For Latz, embodying Eovaldi’s relentless work ethic could be the key to solidifying a more prominent and consistent role with the team in 2026 and beyond.
@Rangers LHP Jacob Latz with @OThankKevin and @inthemageors on balancing working on different grips and pitches in spring training while competing for the No. 5 spot in the rotation pic.twitter.com/Mi896fKykG
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) March 6, 2026
