It's been a challenging season for the Texas Rangers, a team that has faced a slew of injuries and stiff competition in the highly contested AL West. Most recently, the team has been dealt a blow with the news that outfielder Evan Carter is not expected to return this season, due to his ongoing struggle with lower back tightness.
Carter, a promising young talent who made his MLB debut on September 8, enjoyed a solid stint during his brief time in the league. He participated in 23 regular season games, boasting an impressive batting average of .306, an on-base percentage of .413, and a slugging percentage of .645. These stats underscore his potential, which the Rangers were counting on as they eyed postseason success.
Evan Carter's Early Career
The Texas Rangers' faith in Carter is not without reason. Selected in the second round of the 2020 draft, Carter was initially an unknown on many radars. However, as the season progressed, he proved the naysayers wrong. "Carter, who didn't partake in many showcase circuit events as an amateur, was a relative unknown when the Rangers selected him in the second round of the 2020 draft. Initial criticism gave way to fast-and-furious mea culpas once area scouts who saw him that spring started to spread The Word. Carter has since introduced himself to the world on a national stage during the postseason," remarked Chris Young.
Performance Under Pressure
In the postseason, Carter continued to shine, hitting .300, with an on-base percentage of .417 and a slugging percentage of .500 over 17 games. His performance was instrumental in the Rangers' historic achievement this year—their first World Series title in franchise history. The team secured a wild-card berth during the final weekend of the regular season, underscoring their determination and resilience.
When reflecting on Carter's all-around capabilities, Young added, "He's also a speedy runner who can play all three outfield positions. The main question left about his game entails his power potential. Whatever the resolution, he's going to remain an important part of the Rangers lineup for years to come."
Adjusting to Absence
In Carter’s absence, the Rangers have had to adapt their outfield lineup. Wyatt Langford, Leody Taveras, and Adolis García have filled the void from left to right in the outfield. Meanwhile, Josh Jung, who returned from a broken wrist, has resumed his role at third base. In a further shuffle, Josh Smith has taken over as designated hitter, showcasing the team's flexibility in the face of adversity.
Trade Deadline Moves
Despite the setbacks, the Rangers have maintained a determined front. At the trade deadline, the only position player added to the team was backup catcher Carson Kelly. This strategic move underscored the team's focus on building a solid, enduring structure rather than making temporary fixes.
Season Struggles and Future Prospects
Currently, the Rangers hold a 52-55 record, trailing both the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners by 3 1/2 games in the AL West. They are also six games behind the third wild-card spot, a gap they hope to close as the season progresses. Evan Carter, despite his premature sidelining, remains a figure of hope for the franchise. He entered the 2024 season still rookie-eligible, and the Rangers have high hopes for his development into a cornerstone player for years to come.
For the Rangers, the path forward lies in leveraging their existing talent and hoping that their injury woes are behind them. The resilience and adaptability they've shown so far will need to continue as they aim to build on their recent successes and overcome the hurdles that have plagued their season.