Langford’s metrics (left) compare very similarly to Carroll’s (right)
As you can see in the data above, their profiles are super similar. They’re both elite runners, they both share the same elite OAA, and their batted ball profiles mirror each other as well.
For example, Carroll’s barrel rate sits 0.5% higher than Langford’s, while his hard-hit rate is slightly over 1.0% higher. They also both pull a lot of their fly balls, a quality that leads to some elite power output.
There are some clear differences also, which elevate Carroll to being one of the top 15 to 20 players in the sport as opposed to Langford. His actual results have a clear edge over Langford’s, and his exit velocity follows the same path. At the same time, though, Langford has some clear advantages over Carroll in areas like plate discipline.
While they’re both still quite different, they’re also very alike. Carroll is a far more refined and elite hitter, but they both possess many of the same qualities. Langford may only be a few minor adjustments away from becoming even more similar to Carroll, which really speaks to the level of play he could reach.
If Carroll can channel these tools into a 6.0 fWAR season, it’s very possible that Langford can follow a similar path, truly becoming one of the best hitters in the sport at his full potential.
Having just turned 24 years old last week, Langford is still developing as a young player; he is just doing so at the highest level in the big leagues. Last year, Langford went 22-22 in the home run and stolen base departments.