Alexander Craig Lange Bio
Alexander Craig Lange (born October 2, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Detroit Tigers. Lange played college baseball for the Louisiana State University Tigers and was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft. Lange has made a significant impact in his career, including notable achievements such as pitching a combined no-hitter in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Lange was adopted as a baby and grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He attended Lee’s Summit West High School, where he excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 weighted GPA. His talent on the baseball field was recognized early, and he was named the Missouri Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year in 2014. His impressive high school performance led to recruitment by several NCAA Division I colleges, ultimately choosing to play for the Louisiana State University Tigers.
Path to Baseball
Lange’s college career began in 2015, where he quickly made a name for himself as a consensus All-American. He was honored as the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by Louisville Slugger and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. His contributions helped lead LSU to the College World Series that year. In 2017, Lange made a remarkable start in the College World Series against the top-ranked Oregon State, pitching seven innings and allowing only two hits, which secured a victory for LSU.
Alexander Craig Lange Career
Early Career (2017-2020)
The Chicago Cubs selected Alexander Lange with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft. After signing with the Cubs, he was assigned to the Eugene Emeralds in the Class A-Short Season Northwest League, where he faced challenges, posting a 0–1 win-loss record with a 4.82 earned run average (ERA) in 9+1⁄3 innings pitched. Despite this, he was ranked as the Cubs’ fifth-best prospect heading into the 2018 season. Lange spent the 2018 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, where he had a record of 6–8 and a 3.74 ERA over 23 starts.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
On July 31, 2019, Lange was traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Nick Castellanos. He was assigned to the Erie SeaWolves and had a challenging season, going 5–13 with a 5.45 ERA. Lange was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League after the season. He made his Major League debut on April 10, 2021, throwing a scoreless inning. By September 2021, he recorded his first career save against the Chicago White Sox and earned his first major league win against the Minnesota Twins.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lange’s career continued to flourish as he primarily filled a middle relief and setup role for the Tigers in 2022, leading the team with 71 appearances and achieving a 7–4 record with a 3.69 ERA. A highlight of his career came on July 8, 2023, when he pitched the final inning of a combined no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. In the 2023 season, Lange saved 26 games in 32 opportunities, finishing with a 7–5 record and a 3.68 ERA.
Alexander Craig Lange Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Alexander Lange has received recognition for his performances, including nominations for various awards, particularly during his time at LSU and in the MLB.
Alexander Craig Lange Awards Won
Alexander Lange has achieved significant milestones in his career, including pitching a combined no-hitter in 2023, which stands as a testament to his skill and determination as a professional baseball player.
Alexander Craig Lange Family
Information regarding Alexander Lange’s family is not publicly available, as he has kept this aspect of his life private.
Personal Life
Details about Alexander Lange’s personal life, including relationships or children, are not publicly disclosed, maintaining a focus on his professional career.
