The Texas Rangers have endured a challenging season, riddled with injuries and intense competition within the AL West. Among their significant woes, the situation surrounding outfielder Evan Carter has been particularly impactful. Carter, who has not appeared in a game since May 26 due to lower back tightness, is not expected to return this year, a notable setback for the team.
The young outfielder, who made his MLB debut on September 8 and played in 23 regular season games, demonstrated immense potential. Carter posted an impressive batting average of .306, an on-base percentage of .413, and a slugging percentage of .645. His postseason performance was equally compelling, with a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .417, and a slugging percentage of .500 over 17 games.
Reflecting on his journey, Chris Young noted, "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."
The season's struggles are mirrored in the Rangers' current standing, with a record of 52-55. The team trails both the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners by 3 1/2 games in the AL West and is six games behind the third wild-card spot. This positions them in a tough spot as they attempt to claw their way back into contention.
The absence of Carter has forced the Rangers to adapt their outfield lineup. Wyatt Langford, Leody Taveras, and Adolis García have stepped in from left to right, aiming to fill the void left by Carter. Additionally, the roster has seen several other shifts with Josh Jung returning from a broken wrist to resume his role at third base and Josh Smith transitioning to designated hitter. The only position player added to the team at the trade deadline was backup catcher Carson Kelly, indicating a strategic choice to stand pat with their current roster and focus on internal adjustments.
While Carter’s departure from the field is a tangible loss, Young remains optimistic about the outfielder's long-term role with the team. "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," Young added.
Despite the setbacks, the Texas Rangers achieved a historic milestone this year by winning their first World Series title. This monumental success offers a silver lining to an otherwise tumultuous season, especially considering they secured a wild-card berth during the final weekend of the regular season.
Moving forward, Carter will enter the 2024 season still rookie-eligible, offering the Rangers hope for a fresh start. Selected in the second round of the 2020 draft, Carter has showcased his talents on a national stage, and there is significant anticipation surrounding his return and future contributions.
As the Rangers navigate the remainder of this season, the team's adaptability and resilience will be paramount. With key players like Carter sidelined, the focus shifts to maximizing the talent available and strategizing for the future. The journey may be arduous, but the foundation laid this season, especially with young talents like Carter, bodes well for the franchise's long-term aspirations.