The Texas Rangers Still Believe in Evan Carter
Evan Carter played a huge role in helping the Texas Rangers win the 2023 World Series, and it looked like he would be the Rangers’ center fielder of the future for years to come.
Then came the struggles against lefties — and the injuries.
Over the next two seasons, Carter appeared in just 108 games as he battled injuries and inconsistencies against left-handed pitching.
In 2024, he slashed .111/.172/.111 against lefties with no home runs, two RBIs, one walk, and 10 strikeouts. The struggles continued in 2025 with a slash line of .087/.250/.087, no home runs, one RBI, four walks, and five strikeouts.
His batting average dipped even lower in 2025, but the improved walk-to-strikeout ratio was at least an encouraging sign.
Many Rangers fans have suggested the best path forward would be making Carter a platoon bat and accepting that he can’t hit lefties.
However, manager Skip Schumaker isn’t ready to reach that conclusion.
“I’ve said this before, but if he mixes in a walk, stolen base, run scored, and plays elite defense that’s also super valuable,” Schumaker said.
The Rangers don’t need Carter to dominate left-handed pitching. They just need him to find ways to make an impact — whether that’s grinding out a long at-bat, drawing a walk, or moving a runner over. It’s about doing the little things.
The other issue Carter has faced is staying healthy.
In 2025 alone, he dealt with back spasms, a Grade 2 right quad strain, and saw his season end in August after suffering a fractured wrist when he was hit by a pitch.
Now, after a full offseason to recover and rebuild physically, the Rangers believe Carter is in a much better place.
“Him having a full off-season of health and getting to live life and do the things he wanted to do — not just recover but get stronger — has been big,” Schumaker said.
“I also think he’s just getting older and more physical, so it’s a combination of things, but he’s in a really good spot.”
Carter has rewarded that faith so far this spring.
Through 20 at-bats in Spring Training, he’s slashing .250/.375/.700 with two home runs and five RBIs while drawing four walks against seven strikeouts.
For Carter and the Rangers, the goal now is simple: stay healthy and turn flashes of promise back into the consistent production that once made him one of the organization’s most exciting young players.
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Categorized:Rangers