Scouting Report: Jake Latz

Summary

Jacob Latz, 30-year-old left-handed reliever for the Texas Rangers, has emerged as the team's primary closer in 2026. Through mid-May, Latz has recorded 5 saves in his last 6 appearances with exceptional performance metrics: 0.83-0.87 ERA, 0.42-0.44 WHIP, and a 17:4 K:BB ratio over 20.2-21.2 innings. He has converted all four of his save opportunities and posted nine consecutive scoreless outings. Latz has successfully locked down multiple multi-inning saves, including a six-out save against the Cubs and a save against the Diamondbacks where he inherited runners but still recorded the out. Despite the Rangers' below-average offense and recent struggles by the starting rotation (Nathan Eovaldi dealing with left side tightness), Latz has been a bright spot in the bullpen.