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Alex Lange
Alex Lange
Alex Lange
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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 LSU Tigers, and was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft.

Key Information

Career

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Lange was adopted when he was a baby.[1] He attended Lee's Summit West High School in Lee's Summit, Missouri and maintained a 4.0 weighted GPA. As a senior, Lange was named the Missouri Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year (2014). He was scouted by many NCAA Division I colleges, but chose to attend Louisiana State University (LSU).[2]

As a college freshman in 2015, Lange was a consensus All-American. He was also named the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by Louisville Slugger and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association[3][4] and helped lead LSU to the College World Series.[5][6] LSU returned to the College World Series in 2017, and facing top-ranked Oregon State in his first College World Series start, Lange pitched seven innings and allowed only two hits to lead LSU to victory.[7]

Chicago Cubs

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The Chicago Cubs selected Lange with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft.[8] He signed with the Cubs and was assigned to the Eugene Emeralds of the Class A-Short Season Northwest League, where he posted an 0–1 win–loss record with a 4.82 earned run average (ERA) in 9+1⁄3 innings pitched.[9] MLB.com ranked Lange as Chicago's fifth best prospect going into the 2018 season.[10] He spent the 2018 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, going 6–8 with a 3.74 ERA in 23 starts.[11] Lange began 2019 back with Myrtle Beach.[12]

Detroit Tigers

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On July 31, 2019, the Cubs traded Lange and Paul Richan to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Nick Castellanos.[13] He was assigned to the Erie SeaWolves. Over 27 games (18 starts) between Myrtle Beach and Erie, he went 5–13 with a 5.45 ERA, striking out 94 batters over 102+1⁄3 innings. He was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox following the season.[14] Lange did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] On November 20, 2020, the Tigers added Lange to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[16]

On April 10, 2021, Lange was promoted to the majors for the first time and made his Major League debut that day, throwing a scoreless inning.[17] On September 20, 2021, Lange recorded his first career save with a perfect 1–2–3 ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox.[18] He earned his first major league win on September 30 with 1+1⁄3 innings of scoreless relief against the Minnesota Twins.[19] Overall, Lange made 36 appearances for the 2021 Tigers, posting a 1–3 record and 4.04 ERA, while striking out 39 batters in 35+2⁄3 innings.

In 2022, Lange primarily filled a middle relief and setup role. He led the Tigers with 71 appearances, posting a 7–4 record and a 3.69 ERA, with 82 strikeouts in 63+1⁄3 innings.

On July 8, 2023, Lange pitched the last inning of a combined no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays.[20] While Tigers manager A. J. Hinch resisted naming a full-time closer for the 2023 season, Lange made the most appearances for the team in save situations. On the season, he saved 26 games in 32 opportunities. He posted a 7–5 record and a 3.68 ERA, while striking out 79 batters in 66 innings.

Lange made 21 appearances for Detroit in 2024, compiling an 0–3 record and 4.34 ERA with 21 strikeouts across 18+2⁄3 innings pitched. The Tigers optioned Lange to the Toledo Mud Hens in late May, 2024.[21] On June 18, 2024, it was announced that Lange would undergo surgery to repair an avulsion in his right lat.[22]

Lange began the 2025 season on the 60-day injured list while he recovered from his surgery and was activated off the list on August 18, 2025.[23] Lange was optioned back to Toledo four days later after making one appearance for the Tigers.[24] On November 12, Lange was designated for assignment by Detroit following the acquisition of Dugan Darnell.[25] He was released by the Tigers on November 18.[26]

Kansas City Royals

[edit]

On November 20, 2025, Lange signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Kansas City Royals.[27]

References

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[edit]
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Alex Lange

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander Craig Lange (born October 2, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher who last played for the Detroit Tigers of (MLB). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and throwing right-handed, Lange has established himself as a key arm known for his high-velocity and sharp breaking pitches. Born in , he was adopted at a young age and developed his skills through a deeply connected to baseball, including ties to former MLB players. Lange's college career at (LSU) was marked by exceptional performance, particularly as a in when he went 12–0 with a 1.97 ERA over 114 innings, striking out 131 batters and earning multiple All-American honors. That season, he was named National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by both Collegiate Baseball and the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), as well as SEC Freshman of the Year. Over three seasons with LSU (–2017), he compiled a 30–9 record with a 2.91 ERA, helping the Tigers to consistent contention in the . Selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round (30th overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft, Lange transitioned through the minors before being traded to the Detroit Tigers on July 31, 2019, in exchange for outfielder Nicholas Castellanos. He made his MLB debut with the Tigers on April 10, 2021, against the Cleveland Indians, striking out two in a scoreless . In 2023, Lange emerged as the Tigers' primary closer, appearing in 67 games and recording 26 saves to rank eighth in the . Following right lat surgery in June 2024 that sidelined him for much of the 2024 season and early 2025, he returned to the majors on August 18, 2025, but was on November 13, 2025.

Early life and amateur career

High school career

Alex Lange was born on October 2, 1995, in , and adopted as a baby by Renee Lange, who raised him in . Lange attended Lee's Summit West High School in Lee's Summit, Missouri, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA while excelling in academics and athletics. As a multi-sport athlete, he initially played catcher before transitioning to pitching, developing a strong fastball that reached the low 90s mph and a sharp curveball under the guidance of his coaches. His high school baseball career gained national attention after participating in the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his potential as a top prospect. In his senior year of 2014, Lange dominated on the mound for the Titans, posting a perfect 12-0 record with a 0.82 over 68.1 , while striking out 114 batters and limiting opponents to a low against him. These performances, combined with his leadership in helping the team achieve a strong record, earned him the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year award, recognizing not only his athletic prowess but also his academic excellence and community involvement. Following his standout season, Lange committed to (LSU), signing to play for the Tigers.

College career

Alex Lange enrolled at (LSU) in 2015, where he played as a for the LSU Tigers through the 2017 season. As a freshman in 2015, Lange achieved a 12-0 record with a 1.97 over 114 , recording 131 strikeouts while primarily serving in a starting role. That season, he earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was named the National Freshman of the Year by both the National College Baseball Writers Association and Louisville Slugger, as well as SEC Freshman of the Year. Lange contributed to LSU's appearances in the College World Series in both 2015 and 2017. In 2015, he delivered a complete-game victory against Cal State Fullerton, allowing three runs on six hits over nine to help eliminate the Titans. In 2017, during an elimination game against Oregon State, he provided a standout performance, pitching 7.1 and allowing just two hits and one run to keep the Tigers' season alive. Over his three seasons at LSU, Lange compiled a 30–9 record with a 2.91 , striking out 406 batters in 350 across 53 starts. Following his junior year in 2017, in which he posted a 10-5 record and was named a second-team All-American, Lange declared eligibility for the MLB Draft and was selected in the first round.

Professional career

Chicago Cubs

Alex Lange was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the , coming out of where he had established himself as a prominent . Following his signing with the organization on July 7, 2017, Lange began his professional career in the Cubs' farm system, focusing on refining his command and pitch mix as a developmental starter. Lange made his minor league debut in 2017 with the of the , appearing in four games (all starts) and compiling a 0-1 record with a 4.82 over 9.1 . The following year, he advanced to the Class A Advanced of the for his first full professional season, where he logged 23 starts and posted a 6-8 record with a 3.74 across 112.1 innings, demonstrating improved consistency in striking out batters while working on control issues. Throughout his time in the Cubs' system, Lange did not make any Major League appearances and continued his development as a at higher levels in 2019 before being traded. On July 31, 2019, the Cubs sent Lange and pitcher Paul Richan to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Nicholas Castellanos as part of the trade deadline deal.

Detroit Tigers

Following his acquisition by the Detroit Tigers from the Chicago Cubs on July 31, 2019, in exchange for Nicholas Castellanos and cash considerations, Alex Lange was assigned to the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, the of the Eastern League. In his 9 relief appearances with Erie that season, Lange recorded a 2-1 mark with a 3.45 over 15⅔ innings, allowing 13 and 8 walks while striking out 15 batters. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the , resulting in no on-field action for Lange that year and stalling his progression. Lange made his major league debut with the Tigers on April 10, 2021, against the Cleveland Indians, entering in during a 6-2 loss; he transitioned fully to a role thereafter, appearing in 36 games that season with a 1-3 record, 4.04 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and 1 save over 35⅓ innings. In 2022, he solidified his position in the relief corps, making 71 appearances (all in relief) with a 7-4 record, 3.42 ERA, and 82 strikeouts in 69 innings, primarily serving as a . Lange's role expanded in 2023 to become the Tigers' primary closer, where he earned 26 saves across 67 outings, posting a 7-5 record, 3.68 ERA, and 79 strikeouts in 66 innings; a highlight was his participation in the franchise's first combined on July 8 against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he pitched the ninth inning and recorded the final out by retiring . Lange's 2024 season was limited by injury, as he appeared in just 21 games with a 0-3 record, 4.34 ERA, and 21 strikeouts over 18⅔ innings before suffering a right latissimus dorsi avulsion on June 18 while pitching for Triple-A Toledo, which required season-ending surgery. He began 2025 on the 60-day while recovering from lat surgery performed in June 2024, underwent two rehab assignments totaling 17 appearances with Toledo, and was activated on August 18; in his sole major league outing that day against the Houston Astros, he pitched 1 scoreless inning with 1 before being optioned to Toledo on August 22. On November 13, 2025, the Tigers designated Lange for assignment. Through the 2025 season, Lange's major league career with the Tigers encompassed 196 appearances (all in relief), a 15-15 record, 3.70 , 222 strikeouts, and 29 saves over 184⅔ innings. Initially developed as a in the minors, Lange evolved into a high-leverage reliever for , excelling as a setup pitcher before assuming closing duties in 2023 and contributing to late-inning stability despite injury setbacks.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/alex-lange-656638
  2. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/bio/_/id/40976/alex-lange
  3. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2021/03/14/detroit-tigers-alex-lange-family-mother-renee/4668038001/
  4. https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/freshman-sensation-alex-lange-gives-lsu-its-35th-corbett-award-winner/article_752f2480-4c66-5077-b17a-d1ff29334a3d.html
  5. https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/alex-lange/
  6. https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/alex-lange-named-freshman-pitcher-of-the-year-by-ncbwa-for-2015/article_b8cecedf-da79-544f-833b-8346316fcbae.html
  7. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/tigers-acquire-paul-richan-and-alex-lange-from-chicago-nl
  8. https://www.mlb.com/news/alex-lange-makes-mlb-debut-with-tigers
  9. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/tigers-designate-alex-lange-for-assignment.html
  10. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/194338/
  11. https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2017-06-09/college-baseball-lsu-ace-alex-langes-unique-family-bonds-led
  12. https://www.nola.com/sports/budding-lsu-star-alex-lange-thrives-because-of-strong-foundation-that-began-at-home-under/article_da63144c-e673-5b58-9b96-624e1e9bcbef.html
  13. https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/more-than-a-fastball-lsus-alex-lange-adoptive-mom-forged-special-bond-fostered-excellence/article_938defa0-4c96-11e7-a00d-afd2c9f8a627.html
  14. https://www.usatodayhss.com/2014/missouri-baseball-poy-alex-lange
  15. https://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/poy/assets/writable/15286/2013-14_BB_ALange.pdf
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lange-000ale
  17. https://allstatesugarbowl.org/sports/2022/4/7/alex-lange.aspx
  18. https://www.wafb.com/story/29232243/lsus-lange-named-national-freshman-pitcher-of-the-year/
  19. https://lsusports.net/news/2015/06/16/210154891/
  20. https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2017-06-23/lsus-alex-lange-tames-oregon-state-keep-college-world-series-dreams
  21. https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-1st-rounder-alex-lange-lsu-stops-osu-c238351690
  22. https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-draft-righty-alex-lange-with-30th-pick-c235984336
  23. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19608920/chicago-cubs-draft-right-hander-alex-lange-no-30
  24. https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-sign-1st-round-draft-pick-alex-lange-c241013152
  25. https://www.blessyouboys.com/2021/3/1/22305929/detroit-tigers-alex-lange-scouting-report-prospects-top-30-farm-system
  26. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/langeal01.shtml
  27. https://www.mlb.com/video/final-out-of-the-tigers-no-hitter
  28. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37980387/matt-manning-jason-foley-alex-lange-combine-tigers-no-hitter
  29. https://www.mlb.com/news/alex-lange-rejoins-tigers-after-14-months
  30. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/2837106/alex-lange/
  31. https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2025/08/tigers-reinstate-alex-lange-from-injured-list-lefty-reliever-optioned-to-toledo.html
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