Jack Leiter Explained

Jack Leiter
Team:Texas Rangers
Number:35
Position:Pitcher
Birth Date:21 April 2000
Birth Place:Plantation, Florida, U.S.
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:April 18
Debutyear:2024
Debutteam:Texas Rangers
Statleague:MLB
Statyear:May 14, 2024
Stat1label:Win–loss record
Stat1value:0–1
Stat2label:Earned run average
Stat2value:16.39
Stat3label:Strikeouts
Stat3value:7
Teams:

Jack Thomas Leiter (born April 21, 2000) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was selected by the Rangers with the second overall pick of the 2021 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2024.

Early life

Raised in Summit, New Jersey, Leiter attended Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, where he played baseball and was teammates with Anthony Volpe.[1] [2] In July 2018, he played in the 2018 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game.[3] In December, he played on the USA Baseball 18U National Team in Panama City during the 2018 COPABE Pan-American Championships, helping Team USA win a gold medal.[4] As a senior at Delbarton in 2019, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of New Jersey.[5] [6] At the time of his selection, he was 6–0 with a 0.54 ERA while also batting .364.[7] Leiter was considered a top prospect for the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, but due to his strong commitment to Vanderbilt University, was not selected until the 20th round by the New York Yankees, but did not sign.[8] [9] [10]

College career

He attended Vanderbilt University to play college baseball.[11] [12] In his college debut on February 18, 2020, Leiter pitched five no-hit innings while striking out 12, leading Vanderbilt to a 3–0 victory over the University of South Alabama.[13] [14] [15] He was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Co-Freshman of the Week following the performance.[16] [17] Over 15 innings, Leiter went 2–0 with a 1.72 ERA before the college baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[18] As a redshirt freshman in 2021, Leiter returned as a member of Vanderbilt's starting rotation.[19] On March 20, 2021, he pitched a no-hitter in his SEC debut against South Carolina, compiling sixteen strikeouts.[20] In his next start, he pitched seven no-hit innings against Missouri.[21] He was named the SEC Newcomer of the Year alongside being selected a consensus first-team All-American.[22] [23] He helped lead Vanderbilt to the 2021 College World Series finals and was named to the All-Tournament team.[24] Leiter ended the 2021 season having started 18 games, in which he compiled an 11–4 record, a 2.13 ERA, and 179 strikeouts over 110 innings.[25] He was named the Baseball America 2021 Freshman of the Year.[26]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The Texas Rangers chose Leiter with the second overall selection in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft.[27] [28] [29] Leiter signed with Texas on July 28, 2021, receiving a $7.92 million signing bonus.[30] [31] Leiter attended an organization draftee orientation at the Rangers spring training complex after signing, but did not appear in a professional game in 2021, instead choosing to return to Vanderbilt to continue college course work.[32]

Leiter opened the 2022 season with the Frisco RoughRiders of the Double-A Texas League.[33] He made his professional debut on April 9, going three innings while allowing one run and striking out seven batters.[34] [35] He was selected to represent the Rangers at the 2022 All-Star Futures Game.[36] Over 23 games (22 starts) with Frisco, Leiter went 3–10 with a 5.54 ERA, 56 walks, and 109 strikeouts over innings.[37] He received a non-roster invitation to major league spring training in 2023,[38] and returned to Frisco to open the season.[39] Leiter once again struggled in 2023, including spending almost two months out of game action on the development list.[40] With Frisco, he went 2–6 with a 5.06 ERA and 110 strikeouts over innings.[41] He finished the 2023 season with one start for the Round Rock Express of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.[42] Leiter returned to Round Rock for the beginning of the 2024 season.[43]

Texas Rangers (2024–present)

On April 18, 2024, the Texas Rangers selected Leiter’s contract and promoted him to make his major league debut that day against the Detroit Tigers.[44] In his debut game, he allowed eight hits and seven earned runs with three strikeouts in innings to earn a no decision as the Rangers ultimately won against the Tigers 9–7.[45]

Personal life

Leiter's father, Al Leiter, pitched in MLB for 19 seasons.[46] His uncle, Mark Leiter, and his cousin, Mark Leiter Jr., have also played in MLB.[47]

Leiter graduated from Vanderbilt in December 2023 with a degree in human and organizational development.[48]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Rosenstein, Mike. "MLB Draft 2021: N.J.’s Jack Leiter, son of ex-Yankees, Mets pitcher Al Leiter, tumbles in latest ranking of top prospects", NJ.com, May 13, 2021. Accessed May 13, 2021. "Leiter, the Summit, N.J. native who played high school ball for the Delbarton School in Morristown, is 7-2 this season with a 2.10 ERA in 11 starts."
  2. Web site: HS teammates & Yankees' draftees: Volpe & Leiter's paired baseball journeys roll on. NJ.com. Joe Zedalis NJ Advance Media for. June 6, 2019. nj. en. June 2, 2020.
  3. Web site: 2018 Under Armour All-America Road to Wrigley - Jack Leiter. July 11, 2018. Baseball Factory. June 2, 2020.
  4. Web site: Witt Jr., Leiter lead Team USA to 8th straight 18U title. MLB.com. en. June 2, 2020.
  5. Web site: Get Access. Daily Record. en. June 2, 2020.
  6. https://www.dailyrecord.com/amp/1204018001
  7. Web site: DELBARTON SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETE NAMEDGATORADE NEW JERSEY BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.
  8. Web site: Delbarton duo Leiter, Volpe could be selected in first round of MLB Draft. June 3, 2019. USA TODAY High School Sports. en. June 2, 2020.
  9. Web site: New York Yankees select Delbarton pitcher Jack Leiter, son of Al Leiter. Havsy. Jane. Daily Record. en. June 2, 2020.
  10. Web site: Yanks pick Leiter's son. MLB.com. en. June 2, 2020.
  11. Web site: Al Leiter's son reportedly turns down MLB to play for Vanderbilt baseball. Sparks. Adam. The Tennessean. en. June 2, 2020.
  12. Web site: Baseball: Delbarton's Jack Leiter tells MLB clubs he is going to Vanderbilt. NJ.com. Joe Zedalis NJ Advance Media for. June 5, 2019. nj. en. June 2, 2020.
  13. Web site: Jack Leiter tosses five no-hit innings, strikes out 12 in Vanderbilt baseball debut. Sparks. Adam. The Tennessean. en. June 2, 2020.
  14. Web site: Jack Leiter: Ex-MLB star's son strikes out 12 in college debut. UPI. en. June 2, 2020.
  15. Web site: Jack Leiter, Al Leiter's son, absolutely dominated in Vanderbilt debut. Botte. Peter. February 19, 2020. New York Post. en. June 2, 2020.
  16. Web site: Vanderbilt's Leiter Named Conference SO-Freshman of the Week. SI.com. February 24, 2020 . en. June 2, 2020.
  17. Web site: Leiter, Brennan earn conference pitching honors. Nashville Post. February 24, 2020 . en. June 2, 2020.
  18. Web site: Vanderbilt's Jack Leiter Making Plans for the Summer. SI.com. March 18, 2020 . en. June 2, 2020.
  19. Web site: Vandy's Leiter dominates -- again. MLB.com.
  20. Web site: Leiter K's 16 in complete-game no-hitter . Terranova . Rob . March 20, 2021 . mlb.com . March 20, 2021 .
  21. Web site: Vandy's Jack Leiter follows no-no with 7 more hitless innings in win vs. Missouri . . March 27, 2021. ESPN . March 27, 2021 .
  22. Web site: Joe Healy &. Teddy Cahill. 2021 College Baseball All-Americans: First, Second, Third Teams. 2021-07-17. Baseball America. June 17, 2021 .
  23. Web site: Gerson. Aria. Leiter, Rocker, Bradfield headline All-SEC selections for Vanderbilt baseball. 2021-07-17. The Tennessean. en-US.
  24. Web site: Gerson. Aria. Texas Rangers select Jack Leiter of Vanderbilt baseball with No. 2 pick in 2021 MLB Draft. 2021-07-17. The Tennessean. en-US.
  25. Web site: Rosenstein. Mike. 2021-06-29. MLB Draft 2021: N.J.'s Jack Leiter, son of ex-Yankees, Mets pitcher Al Leiter, goes out a winner at College World Series. 2021-07-17. NJ.com.
  26. Web site: Cahill. Teddy. August 17, 2021. Kumar Rocker, Jack Leiter Become First Teammates To Win Player, Freshman Of The Year In Same Season. 2021-08-22. Baseball America.
  27. Web site: Braziller. Zach. 2021-07-11. Jack Leiter goes second overall by Rangers in 2021 MLB Draft. 2021-07-12. New York Post. en-US.
  28. Web site: Prieto. Victor. Jack Leiter joins exclusive Vanderbilt baseball company after being drafted 2nd overall by Texas Rangers. 2021-07-12. The Tennessean. en-US.
  29. Web site: 2021-07-11. How Texas Rangers pick Jack Leiter became the best pitcher of the 2021 MLB draft. 2021-07-12. Dallas News. en.
  30. Web site: Texas Rangers sign Jack Leiter as No. 2 overall pick reportedly gets $7.9 million bonus. 2021-07-28. CBSSports.com. July 28, 2021 . en.
  31. Web site: Kelly. Matt. July 28, 2021. No. 2 overall pick Leiter signs with Rangers. 2021-07-28. MLB.com. en.
  32. Web site: Grant. Evan. 2021-07-28. 'You're the guy': Rangers sign No. 2 pick Jack Leiter, giving clearer picture of Texas' future. 2021-08-22. The Dallas Morning News.
  33. Web site: March 31, 2022 . Rangers Release RoughRiders 2022 Break Camp Roster . 2022-04-01 . MiLB.com.
  34. Web site: Weaver . Levi . Levi Weaver . April 9, 2022 . Jack Leiter's pro debut lived up to the hype, even if it was only 3 innings . 2022-04-10 . The Athletic.
  35. Web site: Sheehan . Stephanie . April 9, 2022 . 'Long time coming': Leiter strikes out 7 in pro debut . 2022-04-10 . MLB.com.
  36. Web site: Here are the 2022 Futures Game rosters. MLB.com. Jonathan. Mayo. July 7, 2022. July 7, 2022.
  37. Web site: Jack Leiter Stats, Fantasy & News .
  38. Postins . Matthew . January 28, 2023 . Rangers Invite Top Prospects to Spring Training . 2023-02-01 . Sports Illustrated.
  39. Web site: Rangers' Jack Leiter: Repeating Double-A level. 2023-04-03. cbssports.com. March 29, 2023 . en.
  40. Web site: 2023-07-15 . Rangers' Jack Leiter: Returns to development list . 2023-12-14 . CBSSports.com.
  41. Web site: Landry . Kennedi . Heralded prospect Leiter showing 'real improvement' . 2023-12-14 . MLB.com.
  42. Web site: Texas Rangers Prospect RHP Jack Leiter Promoted to Round Rock . 2023-12-14 . MiLB.com.
  43. Web site: Texas Rangers pitching prospect Jack Leiter impresses in 2024 debut at Triple-A Round Rock. March 31, 2024. Dallas News.
  44. News: Jack Leiter, former No. 2 pick in MLB Draft, to make his MLB debut with Rangers Thursday. USA Today. April 18, 2024.
  45. News: Leiter's 'surreal' MLB debut a 'special day from start to finish'. MLB. April 18, 2024.
  46. Web site: Jack Leiter shares dad's gifts but may choose own road to majors. Braziller. Zach. June 2, 2019. New York Post. en. June 2, 2020.
  47. Web site: New Jersey's Jack Leiter goes to Texas, taken No. 2 overall in 2021 MLB Draft. Jane. Havsy. Daily Record.
  48. News: Landry . Kennedi . After completing his degree, Leiter has a bigger goal in '24 . 19 February 2024 . . . February 15, 2024 . en.