Texas Rangers' Justin Foscue Credits College Football for On-Field Success
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The 27-year-old outfielder says the amateur gridiron provides a mental escape that helps him perform better at the plate.
Texas Rangers outfielder Justin Foscue believes his performance improves once college football season begins, according to reporting from MLB.com.
Foscue, a former Mississippi State player and Alabama fan, argues that the sport provides a necessary mental break from the pressures of professional baseball. Describing himself as a perfectionist, Foscue told MLB.com that following college football allows him to avoid obsessing over every at-bat or mistake, providing a separation from the game that helps him return to his work with a clearer mind.
To support his theory, MLB.com analyzed Foscue's statistics following the start of the college football season in previous years. According to the outlet, Foscue recorded an .876 OPS over 13 games with Double-A Frisco in 2021. He posted a .905 OPS over 20 games in 2022, and MLB.com reports he produced a 1.000 OPS over 27 games with Triple-A Round Rock in 2023. In 2025, he recorded an .805 OPS over 25 games.
Beyond the mental reset, Foscue noted that football fosters camaraderie in the clubhouse as players watch games and discuss their teams together. He also cited the influence of former Alabama coach Nick Saban, stating he has adopted Saban's emphasis on daily routines and process over results.
Selected 14th overall in the 2020 Draft, Foscue has seen extended opportunity this season. Entering September, the outfielder had played 79 games with 180 at-bats, slashing .261/.327/.494 with an .821 OPS and 10 home runs.